Star Wars announces a full anime based on The Ninth Jedi for 2026

In the context of the Star Wars Celebration held in Japan, Lucasfilm announced an ambitious project that expands the animated universe of the saga: The Ninth Jedi, one of the most popular episodes of the Star Wars: Visions anthology, will be transformed into a limited anime series.

With a premiere scheduled for 2026, the new installment promises to delve into Jedi mythology with a visually stunning and deeply emotional narrative.

The return of Kenji Kamiyama and a story with potential

The series will be directed and written by Kenji Kamiyama, known for his work on Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. Kamiyama was also the creator of the original episode, ensuring aesthetic and conceptual continuity.

"I created a short story called The Ninth Jedi that will now explore new horizons", the director stated during the convention.

The story will focus again on Kara, a young woman whose life changes when her father, a legendary lightsaber forger, is kidnapped for having developed a unique technology.

An expanded mythology and lightsabers with a soul

One of the most celebrated elements of the episode was the idea of lightsabers that change color according to the user's connection with the Force. This narrative proposal will be revisited as a central axis in the new series.

• The lightsabers will reveal unknown secrets about the Force.
• The story will pose new questions about the nature of balance and Jedi power.
• Kamiyama anticipated: "Why did those sabers exist? The secrets behind this will be unveiled".

New projects complement the animated universe

In addition to Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi, Lucasfilm confirmed two key developments:

• The third season of Star Wars: Visions, which will include more content related to The Ninth Jedi, The Duel, and Village Bride.
• The film Child of Hope, which will serve as a bridge to the series and offer context about the conflict and main characters.

The animated future of Star Wars

Japanese animation continues to establish itself as an ideal channel to explore less conventional aspects of the saga. Fans have enthusiastically received the news, highlighting Lucasfilm's commitment to combining innovation, respect for the legacy, and narrative depth.

Kara's story, the mysteries of the lightsabers, and the evolution of the Force will come together in 2026 in a production that aims to attract both classic followers and new generations.