Exciting news from a galaxy not so far away: Star Wars: Visions is gearing up for its third volume, set to premiere in 2025. If you’re into lightsabers, space battles, and stories that make your jaw drop (in animated style), you’re in for a treat. This time, the acclaimed anthology series is diving back into its original anime heritage, and the lineup looks as dazzling as the twin suns of Tatooine.
A Quick Recap: What is Star Wars: Visions?
Before diving into what’s coming, let’s revisit what makes Visions so special. Launched in 2021, this series isn’t your typical Star Wars saga. Instead of following the usual suspects—Skywalkers, bounty hunters, or droid sidekicks—it offers unique, stand-alone stories that reimagine the Star Wars universe through different creative lenses.
- Volume 1: Nine shorts crafted by seven Japanese anime studios.
- Volume 2: A global adventure that expanded its creative scope, including contributors from places like South Korea, South Africa, Spain, and more.
Each episode stands alone, offering fresh perspectives on the mythology of Star Wars. It’s like sushi for your brain—bite-sized, beautifully crafted, and always leaving you craving more.
What’s New in Volume 3?
The upcoming Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 is all about embracing its roots. This time, all nine shorts are created by Japanese anime studios. That’s right—this volume is going full anime, and the talent involved is nothing short of stellar.
Returning Anime Titans
Several heavyweights from the anime world are coming back for this volume:
- Kamikaze Douga: Known for their mind-blowing animation in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure openings.
- Kinema Citrus Co.: The studio behind the visually stunning Made in Abyss.
- Production I.G: Legends who’ve worked on everything from Ghost in the Shell to Attack on Titan.
- TRIGGER: Masters of the high-energy chaos seen in Kill la Kill and Promare.
These studios already blew our minds in Volume 1, and now they’re back to do it again.
Fresh Faces in the Galaxy
What’s a sequel without some new players? Joining the fold are five new anime studios ready to unleash their creative Force:
- ANIMA (partnering with Kamikaze Douga): A studio known for innovative and sleek animation styles.
- David Production: Yep, the folks behind JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Expect some wild visuals.
- Polygon Pictures: Specialists in cutting-edge 3D animation, with credits like Knights of Sidonia.
- Project Studio Q: A rising star in the anime world, bringing fresh ideas to the table.
- WIT Studio: The masterminds behind Attack on Titan’s early seasons and Vinland Saga.
These studios promise to take the anthology to new heights, offering stories that are bold, emotional, and deeply embedded in the anime tradition.
Why This Matters for Star Wars Storytelling
If you think about it, the galaxy far, far away is a perfect fit for anime. It’s already full of drama, action, and existential dilemmas (hello, Jedi vs. Sith). Anime takes those elements and turns the dial up to eleven. In Visions, we get lightsaber duels that are almost operatic, breathtaking visuals that rival hyperspace jumps, and emotional beats that hit harder than a Wookiee’s hug.
This return to Japan-centric animation feels like a homecoming. It’s a nod to the cultural exchange that has always fueled Star Wars. George Lucas himself cited Akira Kurosawa’s samurai films as a major influence on the franchise. With Volume 3, the saga is paying tribute to those origins while also embracing the cutting-edge artistry of modern anime.
What to Expect: Volume 3 Predictions
While details about the specific stories are still under wraps, we can guess a few things:
- Diverse Art Styles: From hand-drawn masterpieces to slick 3D animation, each studio will bring its own flavor.
- Unique Stories: Expect to see tales of love, loss, honor, and redemption—all with that unmistakable Star Wars touch.
- Jaw-Dropping Battles: Let’s be real—lightsaber fights in anime? Yes, please.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch for 2025
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 is shaping up to be a thrilling ride for anyone who loves bold storytelling and jaw-dropping animation. By returning to its anime roots, the series is tapping into the cultural magic that makes Star Wars resonate across the globe. Whether you’re a die-hard Jedi knight or just a casual traveler in the galaxy, this is one hyperspace jump you won’t want to miss.
Mark your calendars for 2025—it’s going to be legendary.
Via StarWars.com