Star Wars: The Ninth Jedi – First Look at 2026’s Anime Saga Expansion on Disney+

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I’m really excited to pass along some fantastic news from a galaxy far, far away! In 2026, a fresh anime series titled ‘Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi‘ will debut on Disney+. This new project is an extension of a well-liked short from the ‘Star Wars: Visions’ collection, and we’ve already gotten a sneak peek at what awaits us.

As a fervent fan, I’m excited to share that the series I’m discussing continues the narrative thread woven in the 2021 ‘The Ninth Jedi’ short, masterfully produced by Production I.G. under the guidance of Kenji Kamiyama. This captivating tale revolves around Lah Kara, a young woman with a profound connection to the Force, and her father, Lah Zhima, an accomplished lightsaber-smith. The story unfolds in a galaxy where the Jedi Order has become a mere legend, following the events of ‘Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.

Margrave Juro, a ruler on the Outer Rim planet Hy Izlan, endeavors to resurrect the Jedi by creating new lightsabers with kyber crystals. Kara’s task of delivering these weapons becomes perilous when Sith agents meddle, leading to an exhilarating saga filled with courage, exploration, and intrigue.

In contrast to the self-contained tales told in ‘Star Wars: Visions,’ this upcoming series, ‘The Ninth Jedi,’ will instead unfold as part of a continuous story, delving further into the escapades of characters Kara and Juro.

I’m looking forward to witnessing how it delves into the effort to restore the Jedi Order in a galaxy ravaged by war. By the way, the show will also tie in with the sequel short, ‘Child of Hope,’ which is scheduled to premiere as part of ‘Star Wars: Visions’ Volume 3 on October 29, 2025. This connection serves as a prelude for the series that will air in 2026.

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that Production I.G., a prestigious Japanese anime studio known for masterpieces such as ‘Ghost in the Shell,’ is breathing life into this captivating tale. The talented Kenji Kamiyama, who penned and directed the original short, is back at the helm, promising an unforgettable journey. His vision seamlessly melds the timeless elegance of samurai aesthetics with the grandeur of Star Wars, offering a unique blend of the familiar and the fresh.

At Star Wars Celebration Japan, I was treated to an exhilarating sneak peek! Vivid animations were unveiled, featuring the character Kara, gracefully handling a lightsaber – a sight that resonates deeply with my Star Wars roots. The breathtaking cosmic backdrops only served to amplify the unmistakable Star Wars essence.

The groundbreaking series ‘Star Wars: Visions’ has consistently dared to reinvent the franchise by allowing creators to reinterpret it through anime style. The initial volume, launched in 2021, showcased nine episodes from studios such as Kamikaze Douga and Trigger. Due to its non-canonical nature, artists were granted the liberty to delve into unexplored realms of the galaxy. Volume 2, released in 2023, expanded globally, incorporating studios hailing from Chile and South Africa. The upcoming Volume 3 reverts back to its Japanese origins, while ‘The Ninth Jedi’ series is a pioneering step as it’s the first time a ‘Visions’ narrative receives a complete television show.

This project offers a refreshing departure from convention, as it isn’t linked to the Skywalker saga, allowing us to explore fresh characters and storylines beyond familiar figures. The character Kara, originally voiced by Chinatsu Akasaki, exudes an endearing heroism – she’s steadfast, resourceful, and her connection to the Force is distinctively her own. Juro, brought to life by Tetsuo Kanao in the short, brings a sense of intrigue and weight. Although no casting decisions have been made for the series as yet, I hope these talented actors reprise their roles.

2026 sees ‘The Ninth Jedi’ joining other Star Wars productions, with ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ hitting cinemas in May and a new movie featuring Daisy Ridley as Rey in development. On Disney+, both ‘Skeleton Crew’ and the second season of ‘Andor’ keep the galaxy abuzz. This anime series seems tailored for fans seeking something fresh and unique.

I’m really looking forward to uncovering more of Kara’s storyline and how it impacts the future of Star Wars! The initial glimpses have left me captivated, thanks to the unique fusion of anime aesthetics and Jedi history. Be sure to save the date for 2026, as we prepare to embark on this fresh adventure together, exclusively on Disney+.

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2025-04-20 08:44