The documentary series that takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes thrill ride through some of cinema’s greatest visual achievements from Industrial Light & Magic returns to Disney+ with Season 2 of Light & Magic and you won’t want to miss this. While 2022’s six-episode Season 1 did wrap things up in a tidy bow, it did leave a lot off of the table that Season 2’s three-episode series aims to remedy, with 1993’s Jurassic Park as the jumping off point. Season 2 is directed by Joe Johnston, famous for directing some cult classics such as Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and The Rocketeer, but in the world of visual effects and design, Joe Johnston is responsible for one of Star Wars more popular characters, Boba Fett. Johnston is regarded more of the old guard of of ILM and provided an interesting angle for him to now assemble the story of the “new guard” of computer aided visual effects.  

Episode 7 (the first episode of season 2) brings us up to speed with the many smaller projects that involved digital effects, and how each one brought them closer to Jurassic Park, the film that convinced George Lucas that he could start making another Star Wars. We’ll meet several of the geniuses along the way, like John Knoll, Rob Coleman, Doug Chiang, and several more… along with their doubts on how to not just complete their tasks, but to impress their boss and inspiration, George Lucas.

We’ll also learn more intimately the aftermath of the release of The Phantom Menace in Episode 8, with a lot of weight and anxiety put onto Ahmed Best, the actor that was cast to play Jar Jar Binks. We veer away from the making of aspect, but it’s an important moment to highlight.

Light & Magic Season 2 is a wonderful moment in time. The stories and interviews take us on a journey through special effects and moments that feel like it was yesterday, but in reality, now 30 years ago. Films like Twister, Perfect Storm, and Pirates of the Caribbean gets a spotlight on their breakthrough effects, as well as War of the Worlds and Rango. As Ahmed Best put it, “Jar Jar walks so Gollum can run and the Na’Vi could fly.”

The beauty of this series is that we see the artists who have been inspired by the artists before them. And this show, no doubt, will inspire the many artists who will follow.

Light & Magic season 2 begins streaming on Disney+ on April 18, 2025.