Lucasfilm has officially unveiled a captivating new visual for Star Wars: Visions Volume 3, alongside confirming its highly anticipated release date of October 29, 2025, on Disney+. The announcement, made during a panel at Anime NYC on Friday, also detailed the nine animated shorts comprising the volume, including continuations of fan-favorite stories and an exciting new spin-off series.
A Glimpse into the “Black” Short: New Visual Revealed
Among the highlights of the Anime NYC panel was the unveiling of a new visual specifically for the short titled “Black”. This particular episode, directed by Shinya Ōhira of david production, promises a “psychedelic battle between past and present, light and dark, life and death” raging within the mind of an Imperial soldier near defeat. Early descriptions suggest a visually striking animation style, with images showing stormtroopers amidst splashes of vibrant colors, hinting at a unique and surreal narrative approach. Ōhira reportedly spent three years developing this 13-minute short, showcasing the dedication to its distinctive artistry.
Returning to Japanese Animation Roots with Diverse Studios
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 marks a return to its Japanese anime origins, with all nine shorts produced by various esteemed Japanese animation studios. This follows Volume 2, which featured studios from around the globe. The upcoming volume will showcase a mix of returning powerhouses and new talent, including:
- Returning Studios: Kamikaze Douga, Kinema Citrus, Production I.G., and Trigger.
- New Studios: ANIMA (in co-production with Kamikaze Douga), David Production, Polygon Pictures, Project Studio Q, and Wit Studio.
These studios are known for their work on critically acclaimed series such as JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (David Production) and Attack on Titan (Wit Studio), promising a high caliber of animation and storytelling.
Beloved Stories Continue with Volume 1 Sequels
Fans will be thrilled to learn that three shorts in Volume 3 will directly continue narratives from the inaugural Star Wars: Visions collection. These highly anticipated sequels include:
- “The Duel: Payback”: Following the acclaimed “The Duel” from Volume 1, this short will see the mysterious Ronin character return to face a twisted Jedi known as the Grand Master. Director Takanobu Mizuno confirmed the Ronin’s return, hinting at a potential alliance with a Sith. Takashi Okazaki, known for his character designs, is also returning.
- “The Village Bride: The Lost Ones”: A sequel to “The Village Bride,” this story will delve further into the customs of a remote village and the journey of a Jedi on the run.
- “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope”: Widely regarded as one of Volume 1’s strongest entries, “The Ninth Jedi” receives a direct continuation, with Kara appearing alongside Juro.
New Visions and a Dedicated Spin-Off Series
Beyond the sequels, six brand new stories will expand the Star Wars universe in unique ways. Confirmed new shorts include:
- “Yuko’s Treasure”: Directed by Masaki Tachibana for Kinema Citrus, this episode will notably feature a return to the iconic planet of Tatooine, as a sheltered orphan teams with a street rat to rescue a droid and find lost treasure.
- “The Smuggler” from Trigger.
- “The Bounty Hunters” from Wit Studio.
- “The Song of Four Wings” from Project Studio Q.
- “The Bird of Paradise”: Directed by Tadahiro Yoshihira for Polygon Pictures, this short will follow a hot-headed Jedi padawan who must undergo spiritual trials after being blinded in battle.
- “Black” by David Production, as detailed above.
Perhaps the most significant long-term announcement is the development of a standalone spin-off series, Star Wars: Visions Presents: The Ninth Jedi, slated for release in 2026. This series will further explore Kara’s journey from “The Ninth Jedi,” with Kenji Kamiyama returning as supervising director, allowing for a longer narrative format within the Visions universe. This expansion highlights the impact and popularity of the original shorts, giving creators more room to tell their unique Star Wars-inspired tales.
