Behind Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 — James Waugh on Storytelling and Style at Anime NYC

A return to Japanese anime studios brings new perspectives on the galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 is here. We sat down with series Executive Producer James Waugh to discuss the latest installment of the award-nominated anthology at Anime NYC. The conversation dug into how the project revisits its Japanese roots, collaborates with nine acclaimed animation studios, and experiments with the tone and style of Star Wars animation. Whether you discovered Visions through its first two volumes or you are brand-new to the shorts format, Waugh’s insights illuminate why this season matters and how each episode adds fresh artistry to a galaxy far, far away.

Exclusive Interview with Executive Producer, James Waugh

How does Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 expand on the first two seasons, and what makes it stand out?

James Waugh: Star Wars: Visions Volume 1 opened up an entire new world for us as creative producers. We knew that the franchise would translate aesthetically well into anime because it is so deeply rooted in Japanese fictional antecedents. While these are naturally exciting expressions of the galaxy, what we found was that the storytelling was incredibly bold — pushing boundaries with risk taking and creative unexpectedness, while also remaining artful, and full of soul. 

We realized that Star Wars through the lens of a creators’ culture would bring about something new and fresh while honoring the legacy of the source material. Volume 2 took us on a global tour of seeing the galaxy through South African, Irish, English, Chilean, French, Korean, and other American perspectives. 

With Volume 3 we’ve gone back to Japan to continue stories we started in Volume 1, but to also expand the canvas even further with more unique genres and tones of the medium, and with storytelling that could only happen through the Visions lens.

What was the inspiration behind returning to Japan and anime this time? Can you tell us about the studios involved and how each approached their short from a unique artistic perspective?

James Waugh: Like the original Star Wars Trilogy itself, the Japanese anime industry is fueled by unmitigated talent, artistry, and passion, and it's why it's a medium that has captivated imaginations around the world for generations. With Star Wars: Visions Volume 1, we got to see firsthand just how incredible the galaxy could look and feel in the hands of master creators, and instantly knew we wanted to work with more studios and storytellers. Volume 3 is a celebration of the immensely rich Japanese culture, Star Wars, anime, and the incredible kismet that happens when it's combined. 

For Volume 3 we knew we had so many more studios we wanted to work with in Japan and had met so many creators that we knew would bring their best work to the Visions canvas. For Volume 3, we have several returning studios from Volume 1: Kamikaze Douga, TRIGGER, Kinema Citrus, Production I.G, and we’ve welcomed new collaborators to Volume 3: Polygon Pictures, WIT Studio, Project Studio Q, ANIMA, and david production.

What kinds of new worlds and characters are we exploring in Volume 3, and what makes them exciting to discover?

James Waugh: We’ll see a zealous Jedi, hell-bent on justice to the point of obsession and villainy. We’ll see an Anzellan crime lord and his Wookiee body guard. We’ll go into the last thoughts of a dying Stormtrooper as the Death Star explodes, we’ll meet Seawalks, a transforming astromech droid that turns into a suit of armor, AT-ATs like we’ve never seen before, and a droid that’s designed like a giant teddy bear. We’ll see a lot of imagination in nine shorts.

How do these shorts innovate in anime, animation, and storytelling while staying true to the spirit of the Star Wars universe?

James Waugh: One of the things that has been so special about the Star Wars: Visions volumes has been their ability to showcase such a breadth of style, tone, and experience — showing so much rich variety across the galaxy. These creators celebrate the power of animation and the imagination it can unleash. Their shorts take risks, and push past the architecture of canonical storytelling; freeing creators to lean into their favorite elements from the galaxy far far away, and reimagine them with the limitless potential of animation. Sometimes this leads to stories that fit perfectly within the known mythos of Star Wars, while in others we get unique expressions like TRIGGER’s The Twins or Kamikaze Douga’s The Duel — which act as meta-commentaries on the form of anime, cinema as a whole, and the Star Wars franchise itself.

How does Volume 3 build on the Star Wars universe creatively, and what connections does it draw to other parts of the franchise?

James Waugh: Visions is always a portal to the possible, unexpected, and to what should be celebrated in Star Wars. Every episode draws on the rich history and storytelling of the franchise, and what is beloved by the visionaries that craft these stories. In many ways each Visions episode is a love letter to the Star Wars that came before, while also driving toward the Star Wars that could be next.

What does it mean to showcase Visions at Anime NYC (August 21-24, 2025), and how does this setting reflect the spirit and style of the series?

James Waugh: Anime’s popularity continues to grow across the globe, regardless of age or nationality. To have Star Wars come to its biggest convention on the East Coast of the United States in its biggest city, on the con’s biggest stage, feels like Star Wars has arrived in the world of anime, and we want to show that anime has left a lasting impression on Star Wars as a brand. 

Since Star Wars: Visions has become an anthological expression that celebrates multiple cultures and experiences, it exists much like New York City itself. NYC is a city that prides itself on having such uniquely different stories, neighborhoods, and styles — but somehow managing to unite everyone under the same banner.

What was your favorite or most memorable moment to bring to life?

James Waugh: Cartoon Saloon’s short in Volume 2 is a Celtic-inspired Banshee tale that tells the story of an inverse Luke Skywalker experience. Where wishing to get off that rock of a planet for a better life actually leads to something dark. The raw honesty of the desire for a better life, and having to sacrifice the connection you’ve had with friends is a universal experience — anyone leaving home for college or taking a risk moving to the big city has felt this bittersweet emotion charged with so much promise and so much loss, so perfectly rendered in their short that it tears me up every time.

Beyond Star Wars: Visions, what do you enjoy streaming on the service?

James Waugh: I’m biased… Andor, Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Nat Geo… all of it. And the great animation work the team at Marvel has been doing.

What we’ve learned about Star Wars: Visions Volume 3

James Waugh kept coming back to the same idea: Visions thrives when cultures meet artistic experimentation, helping to reimagine the galaxy in new visual styles. With top Japanese animation studios and bold character designs, Volume 3 stretches the canvas while staying true to the Star Wars legacy.

He even teased a few character standouts. An Anzellan crime lord with a Wookiee bodyguard and a transforming astromech droid that turns into a suit of armor. Perfect examples of how the show blends the familiar with a distinct mix of anime styles.

What’s the plot of Star Wars: Visions Volume 3?

The award-nominated anthology returns with Star‬ Wars: Visions Volume 3‬ to celebrate Star Wars storytelling through the lens of some of the world’s best anime studios. This anthology of animated shorts will blend genre-defying animation with emotional depth and visual‬ experimentation.‬Volume 3‬ honors the power of Star Wars storytelling that will transport audiences to new corners of the galaxy. 

The third volume of the anthology will feature nine animated shorts from studios such as TRIGGER, WIT Studio, Production I.G, and david production. Starring Anna Sawai, Freddie Highmore, George Takei, Simu Liu, Stephanie Hsu, and Steve Buscemi. Learn more on StarWars.com.

Add Star Wars: Visions to Watchlist

What’s the release date for Star Wars: Visions Volume 3?

Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 is now streaming, exclusively on Disney+.

If the interview amped you up for Star Wars: Visions Volume 3, you’re not alone. The season widens the galaxy far, far away with new animation and diverse storytelling. Add the series to your Watchlist now and keep an eye on Explore Disney+ for future updates.

For more info on the upcoming season, check out the key art reveal and visit the official series page on StarWars.com.

Can’t contain your excitement for the new season? Explore more Star Wars content with the Star Wars Collection on Disney+ and check out some of Waugh’s personal favorites, such as Andor, Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars.