A Major Star Wars Milestone is Coming to Los Angeles
Star Wars is stepping back into the anime spotlight in a massive way this summer, and some lucky fans will get to experience it before anyone else. Lucasfilm and Disney+ have officially announced that the highly anticipated limited series, Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi, is set to debut later this summer. But if you’re attending Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles next month, you’re in for an incredible treat. The first episode of this landmark series is getting an exclusive early screening at the convention!
The Panel Details: When and Where
If you want to be among the first to witness the next chapter of this galactic saga, you’ll want to mark your calendar for Day 1 of Anime Expo. Here are the exact details you need to know:
- What: First Look | Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi
- Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM to 7:20 PM
- Location: JW Marriott Diamond Ballroom, Los Angeles
The premiere episode will be screened in Japanese with English subtitles, giving fans the authentic anime experience right from the start. Even better, attendees will get to hear directly from the brilliant minds behind the project. The panel features a star-studded lineup, including Supervising Director Kenji Kamiyama, Director Shunsuke Tada, Producer Hitoshi Ito, and Lucasfilm Executive Producers Jacqui Lopez and Josh Rimes.
Our Take: Why “The Ninth Jedi” is a Game-Changer
For fans who have been following the Star Wars: Visions anthology, this news is the ultimate vindication. When Production I.G first introduced us to Kara, a Force-sensitive young woman, and her lightsaber-smith father in Volume 1, it instantly became a fan favorite. The story was so popular that it received a continuation in Volume 3’s “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope” in October 2025. Now, it’s making history as the first-ever full limited anime series under the new “Visions Presents” banner.
What makes this series truly fascinating is its place in the Star Wars lore. The story is set roughly a thousand years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, placing it at the absolute furthest point in the Star Wars timeline. With the Jedi Order nearly extinct and the art of crafting lightsabers lost to time, it’s a clean slate that allows the creators at Production I.G to build a completely unique, high-stakes environment without being weighed down by decades of established canon. It’s a brilliant move by Lucasfilm to let these master animators run wild with the concept.
Tips for Anime Expo Attendees
Because this is one of the most anticipated panels of the entire weekend, demand is going to be incredibly high. If you’re planning to attend, here are a few quick tips to help you secure your spot:
- Register Early: Make sure your Anime Expo badge is fully secured and registered on the official site before trying to line up.
- Arrive Early: The JW Marriott Diamond Ballroom is a popular venue, so expect lines to form well in advance of the 6:00 PM start time.
- Check for Updates: Keep an eye on official Anime Expo social channels on the day of the panel for any schedule changes or line management announcements.
For those who can’t make it to Los Angeles, don’t worry. With a confirmed release window of Summer 2026, you won’t have to wait long to stream the entire series on Disney+.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.
Featured cover photo was generated using AI.