Star Wars Visions

Star Wars Visions is a new and innovative anthology series, set in the beloved Star Wars universe. A collaborative project between Lucasfilm Animation and talented Japanese anime studios, Visions presents a collection of nine short films, each showcasing a unique story and artistic style. This fresh perspective honors the global cultural impact of Star Wars while staying true to the franchise's core themes.

Released on September 22, 2021, on the streaming platform Disney++, this series breaks away from the traditional Star Wars narrative and ventures into unexplored territories of the galaxy. Each standalone episode features an original story, without any direct ties to the Skywalker saga. The creators were given creative freedom to express their vision of the Star Wars universe, resulting in a diverse collection of stories that range from high-octane action to heartfelt drama.

Visions brings together seven acclaimed Japanese animation studios: Kamikaze Douga, Studio Colorido, Trigger, Kinema Citrus, Science SARU, Geno Studio, and Production I.G. Each studio was hand-picked by Lucasfilm for their innovative storytelling and artistic styles, providing audiences with a fresh twist on classic Star Wars imagery. The collaboration of these studios illustrates the global influence of both Star Wars and Japanese anime and creates a unique fusion of cultural elements.

The anthology features a wide variety of genres and styles, from epic space battles to mystical samurai tales. Some episodes cater to the classic Star Wars fanbase, while others take bold departures from established tropes. For example, "The Duel," by Kamikaze Douga, sets a dramatic face-off between a samurai-inspired wanderer and a Sith in feudal Japan. In contrast, "T0-B1," by Science SARU, is a heartwarming episode about a robot who dreams of becoming a Jedi.

Music has always been a vital component of the Star Wars experience. In Visions, each episode features original scores that reflect the emotions and themes of the story. The episodes' musical styles draw inspiration from the original works by legendary composer John Williams, while also incorporating elements from Japanese culture, creating an immersive and powerful soundscape to complement the visual storytelling.

Star Wars Visions caters to a global audience, with both English and Japanese voice casts for each episode. The Japanese cast boasts veteran voice actors, while the English cast includes popular celebrities like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Alison Brie, Lucy Liu, and more. This approach allows viewers to choose their preference or experience both versions, showcasing the series' international appeal and depth.

Star Wars Visions is a remarkable, innovative anthology that pays tribute to the cultural impact and legacy of the Star Wars franchise, while also pushing boundaries and exploring fresh narrative possibilities. This collection of animated shorts captures the spirit of Star Wars through the unique lens of Japanese anime, creating a memorable and diverse experience for fans and newcomers alike.