London, UK – August 8, 2025 —
Lucasfilm has officially announced a yearlong celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the cultural touchstone, Star Wars: A New Hope, with the centerpiece of the festivities being a limited theatrical re-release of the film in 2027. The news, which has set off a wave of excitement among fans worldwide, confirms that the movie that launched a cinematic universe will be returning to the big screen on April 30, 2027, just ahead of the annual “May the 4th” holiday.
The original film, which first premiered on May 25, 1977, was a box-office phenomenon that forever changed the landscape of science fiction and special effects. Its return to theaters is a nostalgic victory lap for a franchise that has grown to include countless films, television series, books, and games. For many fans, the re-release will offer their first chance to see the original adventure on the big screen, as it was originally intended. The timing of the re-release is also significant, as it will coincide with the launch of a new film in the saga, Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy.
However, a major question that has dominated fan discussion since the announcement remains unanswered: which version of the film will be screened? The debate between the original 1977 theatrical cut and the various “Special Edition” versions released over the years has become a core part of the franchise’s history. The 1997 Special Edition, for instance, famously added new CGI sequences and altered key scenes, most notably changing the confrontation between Han Solo and the bounty hunter Greedo. These changes, and others like them, have been a source of intense debate and frustration for purist fans who wish to see the unaltered version of the film.
While Lucasfilm and Disney, the current custodian of the franchise, have not provided any official details on the version to be shown, many speculate that it will likely be one of the more recent, digitally altered special editions. This is largely because creator George Lucas has, for decades, considered the modified versions to be his definitive vision for the film. However, a glimmer of hope exists for those who yearn for the original cut. Last year, the British Film Institute screened a pristine 1977 print of the original film, which was the first time the unaltered version had been seen in a public setting since Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm. This event has fueled speculation that the original cut could, in theory, be made available for a wider audience.
Regardless of which version is screened, the re-release is more than just a trip down memory lane; it is a cultural reset for a franchise that, despite its massive success, has faced a polarized and often-divided fanbase. It offers a chance to experience the saga’s roots and remember what made the original film a singular and magical piece of cinema. The theatrical run is expected to be limited, but with the recent success of anniversary re-releases for other films in the franchise, such as Revenge of the Sith, the appetite for these events is clear. As fans eagerly await details on ticket sales and the final version of the film, the countdown to 2027 has officially begun, and the Force, it seems, will once again be with the moviegoing public.
