Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 premiered on Disney+ on October 29, 2025, delivering nine new animated short films that offered diverse interpretations of the Star Wars galaxy. The anthology series, known for its experimental and non-canonical approach, concluded its third volume with a mix of returning studios and newcomers, continuing to expand the visual and narrative possibilities of the beloved franchise.
A Return to Anime Roots with New Visions
Volume 3 of Star Wars: Visions marked a significant return to its original roots by focusing entirely on the anime medium, a style that defined the critically acclaimed first volume. The season featured contributions from veteran Japanese animation studios such as Trigger, Kinema Citrus, and Production I.G, while also welcoming new studios like ANIMA, david production, Polygon Pictures, Project Studio Q, and WIT Studio. This blend of experienced and fresh talent ensured a wide array of artistic styles and storytelling approaches across the nine episodes.
Standout Episodes and Expanding Narratives
The third volume introduced both original stories and continuations of fan-favorite shorts from the first season, much to the delight of viewers. Notably, sequels to “The Duel” and “The Ninth Jedi” were featured, with “The Duel: Payback” and “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope” picking up threads from their predecessors. “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope” garnered particular attention for its emotional depth and cliffhanger ending, with an announced spin-off series, Star Wars: Visions Presents — The Ninth Jedi, already in the works.
Another episode, “Black,” from david production, provided a unique and psychedelic exploration of the Death Star’s destruction from the perspective of a stormtrooper. This 13-minute short delved into themes of morality, life, and death, showcasing the series’ willingness to tackle complex concepts in unconventional ways. Other episodes, such as “The Lost Ones” by Kinema Citrus, further developed existing characters and expanded on their journeys within the Star Wars universe.
Diverse Storytelling and Themes
Across the nine shorts, Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 explored a variety of themes, including legacy, balance, hope, and the internal struggles of its characters. From adventures on Tatooine in “Yuko’s Treasure” to introspective journeys of self-discovery, the episodes embraced the vastness of the Star Wars mythos while infusing it with diverse cultural perspectives and animation styles. Critics praised the season for its consistent quality and dazzling animation, with many episodes leaving a lasting impression and prompting discussions among fans about their favorite installments.
The Future of Star Wars: Visions
With the successful conclusion of Volume 3, Star Wars: Visions continues to solidify its place as a unique and valuable part of the Star Wars franchise. The anthology format allows for creative freedom, enabling animators and storytellers to experiment with the lore and present fresh, non-canonical narratives. The announcement of a spin-off for “The Ninth Jedi” indicates Lucasfilm’s commitment to further exploring popular concepts introduced within the Visions series. As fans eagerly await future announcements, Volume 3 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and adaptability of the Star Wars universe through the lens of global animation talent.
