Born from a standalone story hatched in a 2021 episode of the animated anthology short film series Star Wars: Visions, Star Wars: Visions Presents — The Ninth Jedi is a premiering Disney+ Original sci-fi action-adventure title looking to expand the Star Wars universe. This Production I.G.-animated limited series follows a ragtag group of Jedi looking to save a war-torn galaxy from chaos and ruin. With lightsabers near-extinct and the weapon’s last great craftsman (Simu Liu) taken prisoner by a mysterious and powerful enemy (Young Mazino), the Jedi must embark on a quest to rescue this key captive and stop the growing Sith forces from eradicating the Jedi and taking over the galaxy.

Opening Shot: As intricately drawn snapshots of the solar system, the various planets, and their current conflicts pan on the screen, a voiceover (Neil Kaplan) narrates that the era of the Jedi and the Sith has ended, leading them and their lightsaber weapons to all but disappear. As a result, a new age of strife has given rise to dangerous warlords like the masked General Nawaam, while Margrave Juro works to restore the Jedi Order and bring peace and justice to the galaxy.

The Gist: The sinister General Nawaam (Young Mazino) sends his red lightsaber-wielding officer, Commander Gennoh Ikagi (Feodor Chin), to chase down Margrave Juro (Andrew Kishino), destroy his group, and retrieve the lightsabers aboard Juro’s ship to ensure the Sith’s intergalactic reign. As Juro, Lah Kara (Kimiko Glenn), Gramps (J. P. Karliak), and Homen (Patrick Seitz) attempt to shake Gennoh’s tracker device and much larger ship, a risky maneuver by the droid Gramps seems to ditch the Sith vessel in a Black Hole. Juro then has his Jedi crew touch down in the free city-state of Makoma Ko to appeal to the ruler, Dunbai (Brent Mukai), for aid against Nawaam’s growing fleet of brutal Nobuseri fighters who will stop at nothing to eradicate the Jedi.

Although Dunbai used to be a Jedi, he tells Juro that his current life as a wealthy merchant and protector of Makoma Ko necessitates that he not get involved with this seemingly losing battle. Young “ninth Jedi” Kara implores Dunbai to help save her father, the famous sabersmith Lah Zhima (Simu Liu), from Nawaam, but the older man still won’t budge. Unfortunately for Dunbai, his hand is forced as Gennoh chases down Juro’s ship and launches a ruthless droid-led assault on Makoma Ko, leading him to pick up the lightsaber once more.

At the same time, Juro’s crew infiltrates Gennoh’s ship, leading to a confrontation between Kara and Gennoh. Kara is outmatched and rattled by news of her father’s apparent cooperation with Nawaam, but is ultimately able to hold the Sith off long enough for Gramps to disable his droids. Gennoh retreats, but this temporary victory is tempered by the knowledge that Nawaam is still out there with Zhima in his grasp. The Jedi regroup, sending their own Ethan (Masi Oka) undercover to spy on Nawaam’s forces, stir things up, and perhaps even recruit some allies. With Nawaam’s unknown identity, Zhima’s potential duplicity, and low numbers, the Jedi must confront shocking revelations and perilous situations to defy the odds, defeat the Sith, and live to tell the tale.

What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Besides the obvious comparison to Star Wars: Visions, this title may also recall other animated space series like Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, and Legend of the Galactic Heroes.

Our Take: Star Wars: Visions Presents — The Ninth Jedi doesn’t hold viewers’ hands as it thrusts you immediately into the action after a quick narration of the current intergalactic state of affairs. The show seems to assume that you’ve either seen Star Wars: Visions Presents or other Star Wars media, and perhaps rightfully so, because you likely wouldn’t be watching it without either piece of prior, crucial context. Even so, the impressive animation and fast-paced plotting will quickly pull you in and demand that you keep up. With eight total episodes that all clock in around 30 minutes, this is a highly bingeable show, even for the more casual Star Wars fans.

The series is bolstered by a talented voice cast that breathes life into characters that already feel vibrant, thanks to the art and animation. The fluid movement of the visuals offer an exciting new perspective on lightsaber battles and other confrontations; the vivid depth, texture, and hues show off just how well anime pairs with the wonderful world of Star Wars. This title feels like a chance to bring even more magic and freshness to an already beloved and expansive franchise, making us hopeful about The Ninth Jedi‘s success as well as its potential to impact the style and creativity of future Disney+ Originals.

Performance Worth Watching: Sassy pilot droid Gramps (J. P. Karliak) stands out as an entertaining supporting player whose grumpy charm livens things up whenever he’s on screen.

Sex And Skin: None. There won’t be anything untoward in this PG-rated series.

Parting Shot: Nawaam stands imposingly after effortlessly skewering a skilled challenger to his status as General, while Ethan watches on, stunned to see the corrupt warlord’s blue lightsaber that marks him as a Jedi.

Sleeper Star: The mysterious General Nawaam (Young Mazino) might not have had a lot of screen time in the first episode, but he certainly makes an impact and looms large over the story as this show’s Big Bad Guy. With his masked identity, immense strength, and unknown past, he presents an intriguing threat that we’re eager to learn more about.

Most Pilot-y Line: There’s nothing quite as delightfully cliché as a villain announcing themselves, their intentions, and then, inevitably, failing to kill the hero: “I am Gennoh Ikagi, the commander of Nawaam’s army. Now you would do well to go to your death with honor at my hand.”

Our Call: Star Wars: Visions Presents — The Ninth Jedi paints a rich visual tapestry of the Star Wars universe with a refreshing original tale and an incredibly animated production that offers a whole new angle to this familiar, beloved world. If you’re a fan of Star Wars or anime, give it a shot and STREAM IT!

How To Watch Star Wars: Visions Presents — The Ninth Jedi

Disney+ offers a number of subscription options, so you can find the one that works for you. With ads, a subscription costs $11.99/month; without ads, it’s $18.99/month or $189.99/year.

There are also Disney+ bundles with Hulu, HBO Max, and ESPN+, so you can subscribe to up to three services at once and save over 40% every month. The bundles are available in a few different configurations, starting at $11.99/month for Disney+ and Hulu with ads, and going up to $32.99/month for Disney+, Hulu, and Max ad-free.

Disney+ offers a number of subscription options, so you can find the one that works for you. With ads, a subscription costs $11.99/month; without ads, it’s $18.99/month or $189.99/year.

There are also Disney+ bundles with Hulu, HBO Max, and ESPN+, so you can subscribe to up to three services at once and save over 40% every month. The bundles are available in a few different configurations, starting at $11.99/month for Disney+ and Hulu with ads, and going up to $32.99/month for Disney+, Hulu, and Max ad-free.

Maddy Casale is a Chicago-based writer and comedian who covers everything from animated series to Hallmark movies. Follow her on Duolingo @MCasale.