Polygon's review of The Ninth Jedi, a new Star Wars anime series from Production I.G., argues it offers a much-needed creative boost for a franchise currently in decline, following the box-office failure of The Mandalorian and Grogu, the delay of Ahsoka season two, and the cancellation of The Acolyte. Expanding on the original Star Wars: Visions short, the eight-episode series is set in a distant future where the Jedi and Sith have both faded, and is praised for reworking familiar Star Wars imagery and themes into something that feels fresh rather than derivative.

The story follows Jedi master Margrave Juro, who seeks to rebuild the Jedi Order to oppose the warlord Nawaam, while sabersmith Lah Zhima, captured by Nawaam, holds the secret to crafting lightsabers. The review highlights strong character work, particularly Nawaam as a menacing antagonist and Zhima's daughter Lah Kara as a compelling young Jedi protagonist, and credits the writing and directing team for learning from the franchise's past missteps. It notes some shortcomings, including an underused alien character and generic fantasy-style supporting species, but concludes these are minor flaws in an otherwise strong addition to the Star Wars canon.