Star Wars Unveils ‘The Ninth Jedi’ Anime Series with First Images for 2026 Disney+ Debut

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news from the galaxy far, far away. A brand-new anime series, ‘Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi,’ is set to land on Disney+ in 2026.

This project expands on a beloved short from the ‘Star Wars: Visions’ anthology, and we’ve got our first glimpse of what’s in store.

The series builds on the 2021 ‘The Ninth Jedi’ short, crafted by Production I.G. and directed by Kenji Kamiyama. That story followed Lah Kara, a young woman with Force sensitivity, and her father, Lah Zhima, a skilled lightsaber-smith.

Set after the events of ‘Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker,’ it showed a galaxy where the Jedi Order had faded into legend. Margrave Juro, a ruler on the Outer Rim planet Hy Izlan, aimed to revive the Jedi by forging new lightsabers with kyber crystals. Kara’s mission to deliver these weapons turned dangerous when Sith agents intervened, leading to a thrilling tale of bravery and discovery.

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This new series promises to dive deeper into Kara and Juro’s adventures. Unlike the anthology format of ‘Star Wars: Visions,’ where each episode tells a standalone story, ‘The Ninth Jedi’ will weave an ongoing narrative.

I’m excited to see how it explores the struggle to rebuild the Jedi Order in a war-torn galaxy. The show will also connect to a sequel short, ‘Child of Hope,’ premiering in ‘Star Wars: Visions’ Volume 3 on October 29, 2025, setting the stage for the 2026 series.

Production I.G., a renowned Japanese anime studio behind works like ‘Ghost in the Shell,’ is bringing this story to life. Kenji Kamiyama, who wrote and directed the original short, returns to steer the project. His vision blends samurai-inspired aesthetics with Star Wars’ epic scope, creating a fresh yet familiar vibe.

The first images, revealed at Star Wars Celebration Japan, showcase vibrant animation, with Kara wielding a lightsaber and cosmic landscapes that scream Star Wars.

‘Star Wars: Visions’ has always been a bold experiment, letting creators reimagine the franchise through anime. The first volume, released in 2021, featured nine shorts from studios like Kamikaze Douga and Trigger. Its non-canonical status gave artists freedom to explore new corners of the galaxy. Volume 2, out in 2023, went global, including studios from Chile and South Africa. Volume 3 returns to Japanese roots, and ‘The Ninth Jedi’ series marks the first time a ‘Visions’ story gets a full show.

I love how this project breaks from tradition. It’s not tied to the Skywalker saga, so we get new characters and a timeline far beyond familiar faces. Kara, voiced by Chinatsu Akasaki in the original short, feels like a hero we can root for—determined, resourceful, and tied to the Force in a unique way. Juro, voiced by Tetsuo Kanao, adds mystery and gravitas. No casting details for the series are out yet, but I hope these actors return.

The 2026 release puts ‘The Ninth Jedi’ alongside other Star Wars projects. ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ hits theaters in May, and a new film with Daisy Ridley as Rey is in the works. On Disney+, ‘Skeleton Crew’ and ‘Andor’ Season 2 keep the galaxy buzzing. This anime series feels like a perfect fit, offering a distinct flavor for fans craving something different.

I can’t wait to see more of Kara’s journey and how this series shapes the future of Star Wars. The first images have me hooked, with their blend of anime artistry and Jedi lore. Mark your calendars for 2026, and let’s get ready to explore this new chapter on Disney+.