Star Wars: Visions continues to offer breathtaking, culturally diverse interpretations of the galaxy far, far away, captivating audiences with its unique blend of animation styles and storytelling. With the highly anticipated Volume 3 having premiered on October 29, 2025, fans have been eagerly exploring a fresh collection of animated shorts that reinterpret beloved Star Wars themes through various creative lenses. Among these exciting new narratives, Episode 7, titled “The Smuggler,” stands out as a gritty, character-driven tale from the renowned Studio Trigger.
“The Smuggler”: A Story of Survival and Quiet Rebellion
Episode 7 of Star Wars: Visions Volume 3, “The Smuggler,” delivers a compelling narrative centered on survival, loyalty, and the seeds of rebellion. Produced by Studio Trigger, known for its dynamic animation and distinctive style, this short film introduces viewers to a protagonist reminiscent of classic Star Wars scoundrels, yet with a fresh, grounded perspective.
The story follows Chita, a resourceful smuggler struggling to keep her ship operational and evade Imperial patrols. Desperate for credits, Chita accepts a job from a mysterious, elderly Cerean woman named Gleenu, which involves transporting two passengers—Gleenu herself and a young boy named Arluu—past an Imperial blockade. As the perilous journey unfolds, Chita quickly discovers that Arluu is a prince, and Gleenu is a hidden Jedi Knight who swore fealty to Arluu’s royal family after they helped her survive Order 66.
“The Smuggler” eschews explosive chaos for a more measured, deliberate pace, focusing on the character dynamics and the quiet acts of defiance that define rebellion. The short features engaging action sequences, including a speeder chase through an Imperial-occupied city and a thrilling space escape from a Star Destroyer and a formidable bounty hunter. Gleenu, with her quiet confidence and a lightsaber cleverly concealed within a cybernetic arm, emerges as a standout character, embodying a compassionate nobility that resonates with the best of Jedi ideals.
Directed by Masahiko Otsuka, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed “The Elder” from Visions Volume 1, “The Smuggler” draws inspiration from the character dynamics of A New Hope, casting Chita in a Han Solo-esque role and Gleenu as a blend of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker, with Arluu akin to the droids carrying vital information for the Rebel Alliance. The episode, while concise, establishes a rich world that leaves viewers wanting to explore more about its characters and their place in the larger galaxy.
Studio Trigger’s Signature Touch
Studio Trigger, a prominent Japanese animation studio, brings its distinctive artistic flair to “The Smuggler.” Known for their vibrant and expressive animation, Trigger has a history of contributing memorable shorts to the Star Wars: Visions anthology, having also produced “The Twins” and “The Elder” for Volume 1. For “The Smuggler,” the studio opted for a visually grounded approach, demonstrating that their trademark style can resonate deeply even without overt spectacle. The animation seamlessly blends 2D and 3D techniques, particularly in the thrilling chase sequences, to create maximum effect.
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 – A Return to Japanese Animation
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 marks a return to focusing solely on Japanese animation studios, following Volume 2‘s global expansion. This third installment features nine short films from a diverse array of Japanese studios, including returning contributors like Kamikaze Douga, Kinema Citrus Co., Production I.G, and Trigger, alongside new participants such as ANIMA (in co-production with Kamikaze Douga), David Production, Polygon Pictures, Project Studio Q, and WIT Studio.
The volume continues the series’ tradition of providing creative freedom to filmmakers, allowing them to explore the Star Wars universe through unique cultural lenses while maintaining fidelity to the saga’s core themes and emotional identity. Several shorts in Volume 3 also offer continuations of beloved stories from Volume 1, including sequels to “The Duel,” “The Village Bride,” and “The Ninth Jedi”. This approach deepens the anthology’s lore and rewards long-time fans while still introducing fresh concepts and characters.
The Enduring Appeal of Visions
Star Wars: Visions has consistently received critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling and stunning animation since its debut in 2021. The series acts as a vibrant sandbox for creativity, proving that the Star Wars mythos can be reimagined and reinterpreted in countless compelling ways outside of established canon. Each volume offers a unique perspective, enriching the galaxy with new styles, narratives, and emotional depths. “The Smuggler” perfectly encapsulates this ethos, delivering a captivating and heartfelt adventure that stands as a testament to the boundless storytelling potential within the Star Wars universe.
