It’s no secret that Star Wars creator George Lucas was influenced heavily by Japanese director Akira Kurosawa and his film, The Hidden Fortress (1958). But the Star Wars universe is about to come full circle in that connection with the new animated series, Star Wars: Visions.
Coming to Disney+ Sept. 22, there will be nine anime-style short films based in the much-beloved Star Wars universe. The films will be available in Japanese and in English dub, featuring some well-known voices: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bobby Moynihan, Shelby Young, Karen Fukuhara, Simu Liu, Masi Oka, David Harbour, Henry Golding, Jamie Chung, George Takei, and Temuera Morrison reprising his role as Boba Fett.
“Lucasfilm is partnering with seven of the most talented anime studios in Japan to bring their signature style and unique vision of the Star Wars galaxy to this inspired new series,” says James Waugh, executive producer and Lucasfilm Vice President, Franchise Content & Strategy. “Their stories showcase the full spectrum of bold storytelling found across Japanese animation; each told with a freshness and voice that expands our understanding of what a Star Wars story can be, and celebrates a galaxy that has been such an inspiration to so many visionary storytellers.”
Watch the original Japanese-language trailer below.
All nine episodes of Star Wars: Visions will be available Sept. 22 exclusively on Disney+.