When most “Star Wars” fans think of Lucasfilm‘s slate of new Disney+ series, big names come to mind: “The Mandalorian,” Tony Gilroy‘s “Andor,” the upcoming “Ahsoka.” But critics love another series that’s more under the radar: “Star Wars: Visions.” The animated anthology series allows anime studios from around the world to reimagine “Star Wars” lore as they see fit in a variety of shorts. The result? High marks from critics and a slew of award nominations, including an Emmy for Outstanding Short Form Animation Program.
READ MORE: Lucasfilm Announces Directors & Animation Studios For “Star Wars: Visions” Volume 2 Arriving In May
So that should make Volume 2 of the series, premiering next month, a must-watch for both “Star Wars” and animation fans. And the nine new episodes of “Star Wars: Visions” expands the show’s concept even further. While most of the first season’s episodes came from Japanese anime studios, Volume 2 also boasts shorts from studios in Spain, Ireland, Chile, the UK, South Korea, France, India, South Africa, and the United States. On top of that, Volume 2 introduces new animations styles to the anthology series, including claymation and stop-motion. Check out the complete studio list and episode synopses for Volume 2 here.
James Waugh, the executive producer and senior vice president of “Star Wars: Visions,” couldn’t be more excited about the show’s next batch of episodes. “The reaction to the first volume of “Star Wars: Visions” blew us away,” Waugh said in a press statement. We were delighted that this project inspired and resonated with so many people. We always saw “Star Wars: Visions” as a framework for celebratory expressions of the franchise from some of the best creators working today. Animation is in a global renaissance, and we’re constantly staggered by the amount of creativity pushing the medium forward.”
Waugh also expressed excitement about the show’s expansion beyond Japanese animation studios. “With Volume 1, the imaginative minds of Japan’s anime industry were on full display,” Waugh continued. “With Volume 2, we expanded our canvas to take audiences on a global tour of some of the most talented creators from around the world. We’re so proud to be able to reveal the line-up of studios we’ve assembled. Every short is incredible, full of heart, scope, imagination, and the values that make stories distinctly “Star Wars” — all while opening up bold new ways of seeing what a “Star Wars” story can be.”
So, while “Skeleton Crew,” “The Acolyte,” and James Mangold‘s “Dawn Of The Jedi” may expand the “Star Wars” universe in new ways, “Star Wars: Vision” may be the bleeding edge of that concept. These are all highly original takes on “Star Wars” lore by some of the best animators in the world. That’s something even casual “Star Wars” fans shouldn’t miss out on.
Take a look at the new trailer for “Star Wars: Visions” Volume 2 below. The show’s nine new episodes premiere on Disney+ on May 4.