Star Wars: Visions' standout short, "The Ninth Jedi," is set to expand into a full eight-episode series, premiering August 5th on Disney Plus. Director Kenji Kamiyama revealed that his initial approach to the short was intentionally understated, aiming for a realism that contrasted with the more visually experimental entries in the anthology.
Kamiyama, known for his work on "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex," approached the Star Wars project as if directing a live-action film. His primary inspiration was the original 1977 film, "A New Hope," which he felt, despite its fantastical setting, possessed a sense of familiarity. "When I watched Episode IV, even though it was somewhere in space that I had never seen before, there was something nostalgic about it," Kamiyama told Polygon. "It felt somehow close to my own hometown. The sunset, the sunlight, the atmosphere, it didn’t feel completely different from the world I grew up in. I wanted to capture that feeling."
This philosophy guided the expansion of "The Ninth Jedi" into its own series. The story picks up after "Child of Hope," following Kara as she quests to find her father while apprenticing under Jedi Master Margrave Juro in a future where the Jedi Order is nearly extinct. Kamiyama and his team focused on creating a lived-in corner of the galaxy, applying this sense of familiarity to everything from environments to action sequences. Even the lightsaber battles were designed with physicality in mind, with Kamiyama instructing animators to "keep their feet firmly on the ground."
Refining Lightsaber Combat
Director Shunsuke Tada brought his background as a kendo master to the series' depiction of lightsabers. He aimed to treat the iconic weapons as traditional Japanese swords, emphasizing their weight and the danger they represent, rather than purely fantastical elements. "I wanted to treat lightsabers as Japanese swords, just as George Lucas originally intended," Tada stated. The choreography focused on conveying intent and the deadly consequence of a touch, ensuring that "if it touches you, it cuts."
Acknowledging the Jedi's Darkness
Kamiyama also re-examined the portrayal of Jedi characters, believing that their pursuit of perfection can sometimes make them feel less human. "I felt the Jedi Order itself had become restrictive," he explained. For Kamiyama, true strength in a Jedi comes from acknowledging their internal struggles and "darkness." This idea is central to the protagonist, Kara, a teenage heroine who embodies the potential of a new generation of Jedi. Unlike idealized, unwavering figures, Kara grapples with doubt alongside her determination, representing a more complex and relatable Jedi.
Collaboration and Creative Freedom
Producer Hitoshi Ito highlighted the collaborative process with Lucasfilm, which allowed the team creative freedom while engaging in extensive discussions. "We were given the freedom to create something new. There were many discussions with Lucasfilm, and there were times where our ideas did not completely align," Ito said. He noted that mutual respect facilitated the creative process, enabling the team to explain their artistic choices and have them understood. Kamiyama expressed that the opportunity to contribute a new chapter to the Star Wars universe, to "create 'our own Star Wars,'" was a deeply rewarding experience.
"The Ninth Jedi" series promises to delve deeper into its narrative, featuring complex villains, significant reveals about the Force, and a central mystery. The team's commitment to authenticity, inspired by George Lucas's original vision, positions the series to capture the familiar Star Wars feeling that resonated with audiences in the original short. The series is set to explore a galaxy that feels both vast and intimately familiar, continuing Kara's quest in a world that still feels a little like home.