'Star Wars: Visions' will take the series in a new direction
Disney+ are bringing out a brand new 'Star Wars' series later this year, all from seven different Japanese animation studios.
'Star Wars: Visions' will launch this September, which will be an anthology collection of short films from Lucasfilm set in a galaxy far, far away.
The series will be made up of nine separate episodes, created by seven different Japanese anime studios: Kamikaze Douga, Geno Studio (Twin Engine), Studio Colorido (Twin Engine), Trigger, Kinema Citrus, Science Saru, and Production IG who animated 'Ghost in the Shell'. All seven studios have created one short film, while Trigger and Science Saru have created two features.
The series will mark the first time that 'Star Wars' will formally enter into anime territory. According to the press release from Disney+, the series: "...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. "
Akira Kurosawa had an unparalleled vision during the 20th century, creating the likes of 'Seven Samurai' and 'Rashomon'. Wes Anderson's 'Isle of Dogs' is another film that was influenced by the famed director's alternative vision.
It's important to note that 'Star Wars: Visions' are not canon, meaning that the creators were free to tell the story that they wanted to tell rather than be restricted to past 'Star Wars' happenings.
Here's the special-look trailer for the series, which was revealed during a special panel at Anime Expo Lite this past weekend.
'Star Wars: Visions' premieres exclusively on Disney+ on September 22.