Star Wars Launches New Era With 'The Ninth Jedi' Anime Series in August
The new limited anime series arrives on Disney+ and Hulu on August 5, 2026, following Kara's quest to rebuild the Jedi order.
- ▸Premieres August 5, 2026 on Disney+ and Hulu.
- ▸Continues the story from the 'Star Wars: Visions' shorts 'The Ninth Jedi' and 'Child of Hope'.
- ▸Follows Kara's quest to find her kidnapped father, the lightsabersmith Lah Zhima.
- ▸Introduces a new masked villain, Nawaam, who wields a blue lightsaber.
- ▸Features lightsabers that change color based on the wielder's heart and Force allegiance.
Kara and her ragtag Jedi crew seek out to find worthy Jedi to fight against an increasingly powerful warlord.
- 1
A new chapter for the galaxy far, far away begins streaming this summer. The official trailer for Star Wars: Visions Presents - The Ninth Jedi has arrived, confirming the limited anime series will premiere on Disney+ and Hulu on August 5, 2026.
reenRant, this project kicks off a new era for the franchise, set in a future where the Jedi and Sith have vanished but their ancient conflict endures. The story unfolds in a far-flung corner of the galaxy, where a new generation attempts to rebuild the Jedi Order. Their weapons are forged by a master lightsabersmith, Lah Zhima, whose creations uniquely reflect the heart of their user.
What Is The Ninth Jedi About?
The plot follows Zhima's daughter, Lah Kara. Her mission is twofold: find her missing father and confront a new, masked villain named Nawaam. The series is animated and falls squarely into the Sci-Fi & Fantasy and Action & Adventure genres, offering a fresh, stylized take on the Star Wars universe.
Who Is Making It?
The series is directed by Kenji Kamiyama, a veteran anime creator. It is produced by Lucasfilm in collaboration with the renowned Japanese studio Production I.G, which also produced the original shorts this story expands upon. As part of the Visions umbrella, the series operates outside of the main Star Wars canon. This creative freedom allows the team to explore concepts like the show's central mechanic—lightsabers that can change color in an instant based on the wielder's shifting connection to the Force.
This idea actively questions the stark divide between the light and dark sides. In the world of The Ninth Jedi, a blue blade doesn't guarantee a Jedi, and a red one doesn't confirm a Sith. The series promises to delve into what it truly takes to turn toward the dark side, especially if one believes they are fighting for a just cause.
When and Where Can You Watch It?
Mark your calendars for August 5, 2026. Star Wars: Visions Presents - The Ninth Jedi will be available to stream at launch on both Disney+ and Hulu. No other release windows or platforms have been announced. The series represents the first full-length spinoff from the Visions anthology, signaling Lucasfilm's commitment to expanding its storytelling through diverse animation styles and perspectives.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ninth Jedi part of the main Star Wars canon?
No, it is not. Like all entries in the Star Wars: Visions anthology, The Ninth Jedi is a non-canon story. This gives the creators, including director Kenji Kamiyama and studio Production I.G, greater freedom to explore unique concepts—like emotion-reactive lightsabers—without being constrained by the established timeline and rules of the core films and series.
What makes the lightsabers in this series different?
The lightsabers, forged by the smith Lah Zhima, are a direct reflection of the wielder's heart and soul. They can change color dynamically, even during combat, without the traditional process of bleeding or healing a Kyber crystal. This means a Jedi's blade could turn red if they embrace anger or fear, while a fallen warrior's could shift back to a Jedi color if they return to the light, visually representing the fluid nature of one's connection to the Force.
Who is the villain Nawaam?
Nawaam is a new, terrifying masked antagonist who confronts Kara and her fellow Jedi. Intriguingly, reports note that Nawaam wields a blue lightsaber, which traditionally signifies a Jedi. This, coupled with the series' theme of morally ambiguous weapons, suggests Nawaam may not be a straightforward Sith lord, adding a layer of mystery to the conflict.
More from The Screen Report
Rob Reiner Plays George Washington in Secret Final Role for Larry David's HBO Show
The late director's final performance aired secretly on July 3 in a sketch that takes aim at Donald Trump, according to a new report.
'Dutton Ranch' Season Finale Delivers a Triple Threat of Murder, Trafficking, and Kidnapping
The ninth episode, 'El Padrino,' concludes the debut season with major casualties and a cliffhanger.
Laura Bailey Pitches Herself for Peacock's 'Dungeon Crawler Carl' TV Series
The Critical Role star also fancies her co-star Marisha Ray for a key role in the upcoming adaptation.
Silo Director Michael Dinner Cites Classic Thrillers as Season 3 Influence
Director Michael Dinner reveals how the new Washington D.C. storyline channels films from Alan Pakula and Sydney Pollack.