Lucasfilm and Production I.G. released the official trailer for "Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi," a new limited anime series [1, 2].
The release marks a strategic expansion of the Star Wars animation universe by transitioning a specific storyline from the anthology format into a serialized narrative. This shift allows for deeper character development within the established Visions framework.
The trailer debuted during Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles [3, 4]. The series is designed as an eight-episode limited event [1]. It serves as a continuation of the "Ninth Jedi" storyline that was previously introduced in earlier volumes of the Visions series [1, 5].
Disney will distribute the content across two primary streaming platforms. The series will be available on Disney+ and Hulu [4].
Production I.G. collaborated with Lucasfilm to bring this specific vision to the screen. The partnership leverages the studio's expertise in high-end animation to maintain the visual identity of the franchise while introducing unique artistic interpretations, a hallmark of the Visions brand [1, 2].
The series is scheduled to premiere on Aug. 5, 2026 [1, 5]. This timeline places the release shortly after the major industry reveals at Anime Expo, capitalizing on the momentum generated by the trailer's debut [3].
Fans of the previous anthology entries can expect the new series to build upon the lore established in the shorter films. By dedicating eight episodes to a single plotline, the production aims to provide a more cohesive experience than the standalone shorts typical of the series [1, 5].
“The series is designed as an eight-episode limited event”
The transition of 'The Ninth Jedi' from a short-form anthology piece to a dedicated limited series suggests that Lucasfilm is identifying high-performing concepts within the Visions project and scaling them into longer formats. This approach allows the company to test narrative directions with lower risk than a full-length feature while expanding the reach of the Star Wars IP into the global anime market through partnerships with studios like Production I.G.
