Lucasfilm and Disney+ delivered a thrilling surprise at Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo with the official unveiling of the trailer and key art for Light & Magic Season 2. The acclaimed behind-the-scenes documentary series returns with a powerful continuation of the story behind Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)—this time, shining a spotlight on the digital revolution that redefined visual effects for generations.
All three episodes of the new season are now streaming exclusively on Disney+.
The Trailblazers Behind the Magic
The reveal was accompanied by warm video greetings from Season 2 director Joe Johnston and producer Ron Howard, both of whom were instrumental in shaping the Star Wars legacy behind the camera. A highlight reel from the first season reignited the awe-inspiring memories of ILM’s foundational years, setting the stage for what’s next.
Celebration attendees were treated to a live panel discussion hosted by Star Wars fan-favorite Sam Witwer, with special guests including:
- Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks)
- Lynwen Brennan (President & GM, Lucasfilm Business)
- Doug Chiang (SVP & Executive Design Director, Lucasfilm)
- Janet Lewin (SVP & Head of ILM)
- John Knoll (ILM Executive Creative Director)
- Rob Coleman (ILM Creative Director and Senior Animation Supervisor)
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Each panelist offered firsthand insight into the evolution of ILM’s technology and the enduring spirit of innovation that drives their storytelling.
From Practical Mastery to Digital Frontiers
Light & Magic Season 2 explores one of the most critical turning points in the history of visual effects: the dawn of digital. The new three-part season captures ILM’s groundbreaking transition from practical models and animatronics to photorealistic computer-generated imagery (CGI). It chronicles challenges such as crafting the first fully realized CG character and creating believable digital water—tasks that revolutionized the filmmaking process and set new standards in VFX.
This era was not without setbacks, and the series doesn’t shy away from the pressure, risks, and occasional failures that came with innovation. But true to ILM’s spirit, these moments became catalysts for world-changing achievements.
Legacy, Innovation, and the Road Ahead
Produced by Imagine Documentaries, the new season brings together a powerhouse executive production team featuring:
- Brian Grazer
- Ron Howard
- Justin Wilkes
- Sara Bernstein
- Lawrence Kasdan
- Kathleen Kennedy
- Carrie Beck
- Joe Johnston
Additional producers include Jacqui Lopez, Ted Schillinger, and Michael Garcia as co-executive producers, Meredith Kaulfers and Christopher St. John as series producers, and Nicole Pusateri as supervising producer.
With Joe Johnston back at the helm as director, Light & Magic Season 2 blends nostalgic reverence with future-forward vision—capturing the very essence of ILM’s mission.
A New Era of VFX Storytelling Is Here
As audiences worldwide continue to embrace the technological marvels of modern filmmaking, Light & Magic Season 2 is a masterclass in how innovation, collaboration, and imagination brought about some of cinema’s most unforgettable moments. From T-1000 to Jar Jar Binks, and from miniatures to megabytes, the saga of ILM continues to shape how stories are told on the screen.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this pivotal chapter in movie-making history. All three episodes of Light & Magic Season 2 are now streaming on Disney+.
Are you ready to rediscover the behind-the-scenes magic of Star Wars and beyond? What’s your favorite ILM innovation of all time? Could you see yourself working in the VFX industry after watching this series? Let us know your favorite ILM moment on social media!
