Disney and Lucasfilm has released the first trailer for Star Wars Visions, an exciting new anime-inspired series viewed from the lens of Star Wars. Anime Expo Lite revealed the first look at the upcoming series during Anime Expo Lite, where they announced the names of the seven Japanese anime studios bringing their unique talent and perspective to Star Wars.
Per the trailer, “Star Wars: Visions” is a collection of animated short films from Lucasfilm that will stream exclusively on Disney+. Kamikaze Douga, Geno Studio (Twin Engine), Studio Colorido (Twin Engine), Trigger, Kinema Citrus, Science Saru, and Production IG. Each studio will use their signature animation and storytelling styles to realize their own visions of the galaxy far, far away.
The anime shorts explores different aspects and perspectives of the Star Wars mythology, from the from twins who adopted opposing sides of the force, droids on a space-age adventure, a master and padawan facing off against a sith lord, and a short inspired by Akira Kurosawa.
Here’s the full list of anime shorts and the respective animation houses behind each title.
Kamikaze Douga – “The Duel”
Geno Studio (Twin Engine) – “Lop and Ochō”
Studio Colorido (Twin Engine) – “Tatooine Rhapsody”
Trigger – “The Twins”
Trigger – “The Elder”
Kinema Citrus – “The Village Bride”
Science Saru – “Akakiri”
Science Saru – “T0-B1”
Production IG – “The Ninth Jedi”
I’m actually surprised that an anime-inspired Star Wars series didn’t happen any sooner as the entire mythology seems perfect for the medium. Kurosawa is a huge inspiration for Star Wars as noted by the lightsaber battles that mirror samurai duels, as are the ideas of masters teaching students. Not only that, but X-Wing and Tie Fighter dog fights echo some of our favorite space-set animes.
“Japanese animation inspired a lot of people at Lucasfilm over the years,” said Lucasfilm executive producer James Waugh. “We loved the idea of seeing Star Wars expressed in that way.”
Jacqoi Lopez, Lucasfilm executive producer, expressed the same sentiment when talking about approaching the various anime houses to do a Star Wars short. “They all had a story they wanted to tell,” she said.
Here’s the official plot synopsis:
As a first formal venture into anime, each “Star Wars: Visions” short bears a unique Japanese sensibility, which in many ways aligns with the tone and spirit of Star Wars storytelling. From the beginning, stories told in the Star Wars galaxy have counted Japanese mythology and the films of Akira Kurosawa among their many influences, and these new visions will further explore that cultural heritage through the unique animation style and perspective of each anime studio.
All episodes of “Star Wars: Visions” will be released on Disney+ September 22, 2021.
