The Star Wars: Visions anthology returns for its third volume, and once again proves that when it comes to creative storytelling, the galaxy far, far away still has infinite frontiers to explore.
Premiering October 29, 2025, this new collection brings the focus back exclusively to Japanese anime studios, reminding us how timeless and universal Star Wars can be when reimagined through the lens of global animation artistry.
This time, the creative lineup includes some of the most accomplished studios in the industry: David Production, Kamikaze Douga, Trigger, Kinema Citrus, Polygon Pictures, Project Studio Q, Production I.G, and Wit Studio. Each studio brings its own identity, technique, and emotional core, crafting nine stunning short films that range from poetic to pulse-pounding.
A Return to Where It All Began
Volume 3 kicks off with a trio of sequels to beloved stories from past seasons: The Duel: Payback (Kamikaze Douga), The Lost Ones (Kinema Citrus), and The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope (Production I.G). Each returns to familiar characters and themes, expanding their worlds in meaningful ways that reward longtime fans while staying accessible to new viewers.
The craftsmanship and emotional continuity are exceptional. These episodes not only expand the mythology of Visions but also reaffirm what the series does best — using animation as a gateway to explore deeper ideas about identity, hope, and destiny within the Star Wars mythos.
Standouts Across the Galaxy
While every episode brings something distinct and beautiful, a few stand above the rest.
“Yuko’s Treasure” (Episode 4, Kinema Citrus)
A heartfelt and deeply human entry, Yuko’s Treasure delivers some of the anthology’s most delicate storytelling. It’s emotional, grounded, and filled with a warmth that contrasts the darker tones elsewhere in the series.
“The Smuggler” (Episode 5, Studio Trigger)
Studio Trigger returns with its trademark energy and wit. This episode leans into humor, slick action, and charming chaos — a reminder of why Trigger has become a fan favorite across the anime industry. It’s bright, fast-paced, and endlessly rewatchable.
“The Bounty Hunters” (Episode 6, Wit Studio)
Marking Wit Studio’s debut in the Visions anthology, this short is one of the most cinematic of the bunch. It feels like the pilot of a full-length series waiting to happen. The character design, lighting, and sense of motion are outstanding, capturing the spirit of classic samurai westerns within a Star Wars frame. It’s the one you’ll finish and immediately wish for more of.
“The Bird of Paradise” (Episode 8, Polygon Pictures)
The crown jewel of Volume 3, The Bird of Paradise is a breathtaking masterwork that fuses Star Wars’ mythology with the lyrical grace of traditional Japanese storytelling. Every frame feels hand-painted, and every sound—from the whisper of the wind to the hum of a lightsaber—resonates with purpose.
Polygon Pictures, celebrated for their work on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, deliver something that is both nostalgic and daring. The episode’s animation flows like brushstrokes, creating a cinematic poem that feels spiritual in its pacing and tone.
What makes this installment so profound is how its message transcends the Star Wars framework. While the saga has always centered on the battle between good and evil—the Jedi and the Sith—this story shifts its gaze inward. It’s not about galactic wars or destiny but about confronting the darkness within yourself.
Here, the true conflict lies in self-discovery and acceptance, in battling inner demons before one can ever hope to find peace or purpose. It’s an introspective meditation disguised as a galactic myth, proving that the most powerful lightsaber battles sometimes happen within the soul.
The Bird of Paradise doesn’t just expand the Star Wars universe—it elevates it, offering a story that speaks to humanity itself.
A Celebration of Vision and Craft
What makes Star Wars: Visions so remarkable is that it’s never been about canon or continuity. It’s about imagination. Each studio treats Star Wars as mythology — a living legend that can be reshaped through emotion, style, and culture. The result is a visual symphony of storytelling where every short becomes its own interpretation of what the Force represents.
This third volume stands out for its willingness to experiment with tone and form. Some episodes are deeply meditative, others explosive and kinetic, yet all of them feel deeply connected through their emotional honesty. The craftsmanship is exceptional across the board — from the lighting and animation choices to the rhythmic editing that feels as purposeful as choreography.
The music throughout the collection plays an essential role. It’s haunting, grand, and sometimes heartbreakingly intimate, guiding the audience through each story like a force of its own. Even Episode 9 “Black“, which unfolds entirely without dialogue, communicates volumes through its score and visuals alone. It’s proof that storytelling doesn’t always need words when the art speaks this loudly.
Every short in Visions is concise yet full of meaning — easily digestible but far from disposable. Each director leaves a personal signature, ensuring that no two entries look or feel alike. It’s a celebration not only of Star Wars, but of animation as a boundless form of creative expression.
A Testament to Why Star Wars Still Matters
Across its three seasons, Star Wars: Visions has become more than an anthology — it’s a reminder of the creative possibilities that lie within one of the world’s most iconic universes. It gives voice to animators, musicians, and writers who see the Force not just as power, but as expression.
This third season captures that idea perfectly. It’s filled with visual wonder, emotional storytelling, and a reverence for imagination itself. It may be non-canon, but its heart is pure Star Wars.
As Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter once said, the anthology embodies “a love of Star Wars that runs so deep it’s bound to make new fans of the young and uninitiated, and remind old fans why they fell so hard for this universe in the first place.” That sentiment still rings true.
The Verdict
Star Wars: Visions – Volume 3 is a triumph of creativity, emotion, and artistry. There isn’t a weak episode in the lineup — only varying shades of brilliance. From high-octane action to meditative beauty, this collection offers something for every fan of animation and Star Wars alike.
It’s also a reminder of how powerful collaboration can be between major franchises and global animation studios. With Disney continuing to embrace anime and diverse storytelling voices, the future of Star Wars has never looked brighter.
Editor-in-Chief | Owner
I’m a dedicated aficionado of all things movies, pop culture, and entertainment. With a passion for storytelling and a love for the silver screen, I’m constantly immersed in the world of cinema, exploring new releases, classics, and hidden gems alike. As a fervent advocate for the power of film to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, I enjoy sharing my insights, reviews, and recommendations with fellow enthusiasts.