Disney+ released Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 on October 29, 2025, with all nine animated shorts becoming available simultaneously for fans to explore new interpretations of the galaxy far, far away. Among these new tales, Episode 2, titled “The Lost Ones,” stands out as a poignant continuation of a story first introduced in Visions Volume 1, delving back into the narrative of F and her past connections on the ravaged planet of Keelia.
A Return to Keelia: The Legacy of “The Village Bride”
“The Lost Ones” serves as a direct sequel to “The Village Bride,” an episode from the inaugural Star Wars: Visions collection. This return signifies a growing trend within Visions Volume 3, which sees a number of shorts expanding upon previously established narratives and beloved characters. Fans of the original will recall F’s journey in “The Village Bride” and her unique connection to the Force, as well as the plight of the remote community on Keelia.
Unveiling “The Lost Ones”
Directed by Hitoshi Haga and animated by Kinema Citrus, “The Lost Ones” plunges viewers back into the world of F, continuing her story in a landscape still bearing the scars of Imperial exploitation. The episode is noted for its exploration of themes like breaking from the past and the lingering impact of conflict. Critical reception highlights the episode’s artistic style and its narrative focus on the conflict with the Empire, though some reviewers noted it might lose some of the unique charm of its predecessor by leaning more into traditional Star Wars elements.
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 — A Deep Dive into Anime Roots
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 marks a significant return to the anthology’s anime origins, featuring nine new shorts crafted by celebrated Japanese animation studios. This volume intentionally pivots back to the style of the first season after Volume 2 had broadened its scope to include animation studios from around the globe. The decision to return to exclusively Japanese studios was met with enthusiasm from fans who appreciate the distinct storytelling and visual aesthetics that anime brings to the Star Wars universe.
The Creative Freedom of Visions
A core appeal of the Visions series lies in the creative freedom granted to the animation studios. Each short offers a unique cultural lens through which to explore Star Wars mythology, with directors given total artistic liberty to reimagine the universe. This approach allows for a diverse range of stories, from action-packed adventures to sci-fi mysteries and samurai-inspired narratives, all while honoring the franchise’s deep lore. These non-canon stories provide a fresh, experimental space for artists to play within the Star Wars sandbox, leading to innovative storytelling and visual designs.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Engagement
The third volume has largely garnered positive critical reception, with many calling it the strongest volume yet. Critics have praised the exceptional production quality and the diverse animation styles, which range from traditional cel shading to cutting-edge digital animation. While critic and audience scores on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes have shown a consistent divide across all Visions volumes, the overwhelming critical positivity for Volume 3 underscores its artistic merit. Fan engagement has also been high, with online communities actively discussing and creating content inspired by the new episodes.
The Future of Star Wars Anime
The success of Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 further solidifies Disney’s commitment to expanding the franchise through animated content. The anthology format has proven to be a fertile ground for experimentation, and Lucasfilm is already planning a spinoff series, Star Wars: Visions Presents, set to launch in 2026. This new series will feature expanded, full-length episodes based on selected shorts, with “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope” from Volume 3 already poised to be a part of this expansion. This continued investment suggests a bright future for anime within the Star Wars galaxy, offering even more opportunities for diverse and imaginative storytelling.
