“The Ninth Jedi” Expands: New Series and Short Coming to Disney +

Fans of the acclaimed “Star Wars: Visions” short, “The Ninth Jedi,” have reason to celebrate.
Lucasfilm has announced that the story will be expanded with a brand-new, standalone limited
anime series titled Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi, slated for release on Disney+
in 2026.

This exciting development was revealed at Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025. The original
creative force behind the short, Kenji Kamiyama, will return as supervising director for the new
series, with Production I.G. once again handling the animation.

The Ninth Jedi first captivated audiences in Volume 1 of “Star Wars: Visions” (2021) with its
compelling story of Kara, the daughter of a reclusive lightsaber smith, and a group of mysterious
Force users in an era where the Jedi have faded into myth. The short was praised for its unique
take on lightsaber lore, introducing blades that change color based on the wielder’s connection
to the Force.

Before the full series arrives, fans will get another glimpse into Kara’s journey. A direct sequel
short, The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope, directed by Naoyoshi Shiotani, will premiere as part of Star
Wars: Visions – Volume 3 on October 29, 2025, also on Disney+. This short is expected to
bridge the gap and continue Kara’s quest to find her kidnapped father.

The upcoming limited series promises to delve deeper into the mythology introduced in the
original short, exploring the secrets behind the unique lightsabers and Kara’s role in potentially
rebuilding the Jedi Order in a galaxy still recovering from past conflicts. The “Star Wars: Visions

Presents” banner signals Lucasfilm’s intention to explore longer-form storytelling for some of the
standout shorts from the popular anime anthology series, allowing creators to further develop
their unique visions within the Star Wars galaxy.