Image source: StarWars.comOf the numerous roundtable interviews Anime Trending participated in at Anime NYC 2025, the session focused on Star Wars: Visions was certainly among the most extensive. The discussion provided insight into executive producer James Waugh’s enthusiasm for the anthology series, and we managed to ask him about legendary animator Shinya Ohira’s “BLACK” short from the forthcoming third season, set to premiere on Disney+ on October 29.
Below is a compilation of the most intriguing responses from the roundtable (lightly edited for clarity).
Star Wars: Visions’ Canonicity and Vision
James Waugh: It is absolutely not canon. However, there are no limitations besides the fact that when we are focusing on stories and seeking creators, we want them to have something meaningful to convey and then propose their vision. We are not specifically hunting for narratives about well-known Star Wars characters. That said, it’s not impossible. Clearly, Jabba the Hutt and Boba Fett have appeared in Visions shorts, but it’s not solely about them. Typically, we desire original, refreshing viewpoints so that Visions does not transform into a sort of “What If” scenario for Star Wars, but rather a distinctive representation and celebration of Star Wars elements that audiences cherish.
Each Volume is like a mixtape (and that’s why they’re not called “seasons”)
James Waugh: Oh God, this is a super nerdy response, but we primarily intended for it to suggest that these are akin to mixtapes. These are anthological interpretations, not ongoing seasons that are serialized and have a continuous plot. Volume 2 serves as a mixtape reminiscent of a global tour, showcasing various sounds and notes from around the globe. Volume 1 and Volume 3 are anime-centric. Whatever Visions may evolve into, we aim to stress that we can still have diverse, unique voices, and you won’t feel restrained by what you’ve encountered previously.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - BarCharts Publishing Inc. (Publisher)
Image source: StarWars.comOn the Shinya Ohira-directed “BLACK” Short
James Waugh: He’s a master craftsman, an amazing artist, and a truly unique auteur all around. I wouldn’t categorize this as his definitive statement on Star Wars. It’s a narrative he felt inspired to convey. I believe he aimed to comment on humanity and conflict, making it more of a contemporary art piece, in a way.
What I find remarkable about Visions is that it allows for non-traditional storytelling. An incredible animator can actually express the medium and present their unique interpretation of what Star Wars might be. When you view it later today, you’ll observe jazz elements embedded within it. So while I wouldn’t label this as his definitive interpretation of Star Wars, I would assert that he has affection for Star Wars, and by employing all these elements, you receive a distinctly Ohira-san narrative.
Culture in Star Wars: Visions
James Waugh: Experiencing Star Wars through the lens of a specific Japanese creator [in Volume 1] abruptly made us aware of how fascinating this could be when interpreted by different cultures. This realization was its fundamental driving force. I think what underpinning Star Wars truly embodies are these universal mythic aspects — very Campbellian. The hero’s journey indeed appears differently across cultures, but certain archetypes remain significant. Certain universal human themes that Star Wars conveys in a mythic way resonate exceptionally well.
Consider something like “Screecher’s Reach”; it is undeniably a Star Wars narrative, yet the banshee aspects, which are deeply rooted in Irish culture, lend it that unique flavor. Similarly, the same applies with Punkrobot. Each of those narratives can only originate from their respective culture. Ultimately, the beauty of Star Wars lies in its universality. At its finest, I believe the themes are culturally agnostic.
Image source: StarWars.comExploring the non-Jedi parts of Star Wars in Volume 3
James Waugh: What is somewhat distinctive about this volume compared to Volume 1 is that Volume 1 was heavily Jedi-oriented — immersed in kyber crystals and lightsabers, which are, of course, the most iconic aspect of the Star Wars franchise — but this galaxy is so much richer than just that. What I discovered with this volume is that many of the stories that surfaced were more about Resistance narratives, Rebel tales, or bounty hunter experiences. Not to suggest there aren’t lightsabers included; there most certainly are. However, in contrast to the first volume, I believe we present a broader glimpse of the galaxy.
“I Am Your Mother,” and Finding the Personal in Star Wars
James Waugh: Collaborating with Aardman, they presented various top directors to pitch different stories. All of them were excellent — it’s Aardman, so you’re guaranteed quality — but many felt like grand-scale Star Wars stories infused with those elements that you want to see from Star Wars.
The reason we were captivated by Magdalena’s narrative was not merely that we anticipated finding the Star Wars essence within it, but rather she proposed a story with a personal dimension. As a Polish immigrant to the UK, she always perceived herself as somewhat different in that context. She experienced a love-hate relationship with her mom and her mom’s culture during her teenage years, only to later recognize that it was precisely that which made her special and distinct as a creator. Therefore, she sought to create a Star Wars tale reflecting that personal voyage.
For me, that is what I seek. I desire something deeply personal. We excel at assisting individuals in discovering the Star Wars within themselves. I continually search for the personal narrative, and the sweeping scope will follow naturally. That has always been our approach, and I think you’ll observe the same in Volume 3.
On Remaking the Original and Prequel Films in Animation
James Waugh: What I admire about George Lucas’s filmmaking is that it embodies pure filmmaking for the big screen. Experiencing Star Wars on the big screen, in contrast to my past as the VHS generation, is remarkable. I had the opportunity to see Return of the Jedi in theaters, but most of my childhood memories revolve around VHS with the 90s re-release. It left me astounded to see how much the construction revolved around broader narratives and harnessing the full potential of cinema. Thus, it’s difficult for me to consider “Oh, animation would be better.”
Personally, I would prefer animation to expand upon the stories of those characters or delve into various nuances. However, I don’t think I’d want to recreate the original trilogy in animation. While it would undoubtedly be visually stunning and a unique viewing experience, those films are virtually my Bible, so I don’t envision myself desiring a redo. That doesn’t imply it shouldn’t occur.
How Animation Studios Are Considered for Selection
James Waugh: We maintain a list. We’re fans as well, right? Some of it has originated from our reactions, thinking, “Wow, we genuinely enjoyed that work; we should reach out to these creators.” I remember watching Promare and thinking, “We need to engage with TRIGGER.” It was unlike anything I had witnessed before. Production I.G clearly has a legendary reputation, so some of it has stemmed from us as fans saying, “Let’s connect with them.”
We also collaborate closely with Qubic Pictures, which has been an invaluable partner in our Japanese production endeavors. They foster excellent relationships and provide recommendations. So, through both our own fandom and with reliable partners, we have pursued discussions with the studios.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - BarCharts Publishing Inc. (Publisher)
Image source: StarWars.comThe Importance of Story
James Waugh: Those narratives that were probably dismissed are more spectacle-oriented, such as, “we simply want an outrageous action sequence,” which, by the way, no medium does better than anime, right? But I aspire to discover methods to blend the excitement of that action sequence with profound character revelations that enhance its significance.
On Whether Volume 2 Episodes Will Get Follow-Ups Like Some of Volume 1’s
James Waugh: I’m eager to learn what transpires with the Cartoon Saloon pieces. I’m curious about the Punkrobot narratives and Aardman. I would relish seeing Star Wars depicted in that style indefinitely. There’s so much remarkable content in that volume that I would love to continue exploring, and we would be thrilled to revisit that creative well.
Why “The Ninth Jedi” is getting a spin-off series
James Waugh: Ultimately, it was [Kenji] Kamiyama-san’s vision of how he wanted to continue that narrative. Making the call was challenging; it’s akin to choosing your favorite child. However, this one possessed intrinsic structure: we need to assemble the Jedi Order, [and] we need to discover these nine Jedi to assist in reconstructing the Jedi Order to counter the darkness enveloping the galaxy. That felt like the perfect springboard for a series. Kamiyama-san had a very clear vision.
Image source: StarWars.comCosplay
James Waugh: That is without a doubt my favorite aspect. We recently hosted a Celebration in Japan. Witnessing characters that initially existed as pencil sketches morph into real figures was astonishing. We were able to provide feedback on their designs, thinking, “Oh, that looks great, here are some ideas for adjustments.” Seeing original ideas come to fruition, and eventually resonate with audiences, is incredibly fulfilling; it’s rewarding to see that level of commitment lead to people wanting to cosplay as those characters.
During Celebration, it was simply amazing to observe all the fans engaged in cosplay. I hope this inspires even more cosplay. I’ll be attending conventions in search of it.
Anime Trending’s questions by Melvyn Tan. Press junket attended by Isabelle Lee.
