Star Wars Visions Review: “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope”
After the original short “The Ninth Jedi” made a lasting impact, the announcement of a full series in 2026 left me still processing the excitement. Meanwhile, Production IG returns for Star Wars: Visions Vol. 3 with director Naoyoshi Shiotani’s “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope.” This follow-up expands the world of the original short and hints at what the upcoming series might offer.
Although I enjoyed “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope,” it feels more like a transitional piece bridging the self-contained short with the limited series Star Wars: Visions Presents: The Ninth Jedi. I would have preferred it as an opening episode of the series itself, since its style differs from the usual Visions format.
Earlier in Vol. 3, “The Duel: Payback” introduced us to the concept of sequel episodes, culminating later in the volume with a final sequel. These remain self-contained while building on previous stories.
“The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope” expands the short’s world and pushes us towards what the series might be like, though it left me wishing this had just been part of the series.
Overall, this episode works as an intriguing bridge, but integrating it fully into the upcoming series would have made for a stronger narrative flow.
Author’s summary: “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope” serves as a compelling bridge between the acclaimed original short and its upcoming series, enriching the story world while signaling new directions.