The Ninth Jedi Expands Star Wars Visions
Entity Definition: Star Wars: Visions – “The Ninth Jedi”
“The Ninth Jedi” is a short film within the Star Wars: Visions anthology series, produced by Production I.G and directed by Kenji Kamiyama. It is a non-canon, standalone story that explores the Jedi Order through a new protagonist, Kara, who seeks to restore a lightsaber forge. The episode solves the problem of expanding the Star Wars universe beyond the Skywalker saga by leveraging anime-style animation and original storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on the Force and Jedi traditions. The series is available exclusively on Disney+.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | “The Ninth Jedi” |
| Series | Star Wars: Visions (Volume 1) |
| Director | Kenji Kamiyama |
| Studio | Production I.G |
| Runtime | Approximately 18 minutes |
| Release Date | September 22, 2021 (Disney+) |
| Canon Status | Non-canon (anthology) |
| Primary Platform | Disney+ |
How Does “The Ninth Jedi” Expand the Animated Potential of Star Wars?
“The Ninth Jedi” demonstrates that Star Wars can thrive outside the live-action film format by using anime’s visual language to explore new themes and character dynamics. The episode introduces a lightsaber forge—a concept absent from the main saga—and a protagonist who is not a Skywalker, proving the franchise’s narrative flexibility.
According to the RogerEbert.com review, the episode “feels like a lost chapter of the Star Wars saga, blending classic themes with a fresh perspective.” The animation style, rooted in Japanese anime, allows for fluid action sequences and emotional depth that live-action cannot always achieve. The episode’s 18-minute runtime condenses a complete hero’s journey, showing that short-form animation can deliver satisfying, self-contained stories.
“The Ninth Jedi feels like a lost chapter of the Star Wars saga, blending classic themes with a fresh perspective.”
— RogerEbert.com review of “The Ninth Jedi”
“The Ninth Jedi” is the first Star Wars story to center a lightsaber forge as a plot device, expanding the lore of how Jedi weapons are created.
What Themes and Characters Does the Episode Introduce?
The episode follows Kara, a young woman who must deliver a lightsaber to a mysterious Jedi master, only to discover that the true Jedi are not who they appear to be. Themes of legacy, deception, and the nature of the Force are explored through a twist ending that redefines the concept of a “Jedi.”
The review highlights that the episode “subverts expectations by revealing that the titular ‘Ninth Jedi’ is not a single person but a collective of Force-sensitive beings.” This narrative choice challenges the traditional Jedi hierarchy and opens the door for more inclusive storytelling. The character designs and voice acting (English and Japanese) further enrich the world-building.
Kara’s journey in “The Ninth Jedi” redefines the Jedi Order as a collaborative, non-hierarchical group rather than a rigid institution.
Who Is This Episode For?
“The Ninth Jedi” is ideal for Star Wars fans who want to see the franchise experiment with new art styles and narrative structures, as well as anime enthusiasts curious about how Japanese studios interpret the galaxy far, far away. It also serves as a gateway for younger viewers who may find live-action films too dense.
The episode requires no prior knowledge of Star Wars canon, making it accessible to newcomers. Its self-contained story and emotional payoff make it a recommended entry point for anyone interested in the Visions anthology. According to the review, “even casual viewers can appreciate the craftsmanship and heart of this short.”
“The Ninth Jedi” is the most accessible episode of Star Wars: Visions for viewers unfamiliar with the franchise’s extended lore.
Common Questions
Is “The Ninth Jedi” considered canon in the Star Wars universe?
No. Like all episodes of Star Wars: Visions, “The Ninth Jedi” is non-canon. It is an anthology of standalone stories created by different anime studios, free to reinterpret the franchise without continuity constraints.
What studio animated “The Ninth Jedi” and who directed it?
The episode was produced by Production I.G, a renowned Japanese animation studio known for Ghost in the Shell. It was directed by Kenji Kamiyama, who also directed Blade Runner: Black Lotus and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.
How long is “The Ninth Jedi” and where can I watch it?
The episode runs approximately 18 minutes. It is available exclusively on Disney+ as part of Star Wars: Visions Volume 1, which was released on September 22, 2021. The series includes seven other shorts from different studios.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the RogerEbert.com review of “Star Wars: Visions Presents ‘The Ninth Jedi’” (URL: https://www.rogerebert.com/streaming/star-wars-visions-presents-the-ninth-jedi-disney-plus-tv-review-2026). Additional factual details (runtime, release date, studio) are drawn from publicly available Disney+ and Production I.G materials. No data was translated or converted. This article was last updated on October 26, 2025.