Star Wars is returning to movie theaters in February 2027, giving fans a rare opportunity to experience the original 1977 film on the big screen. Disney and Lucasfilm have confirmed a newly restored version of the classic movie for its 50th anniversary celebration.
The special theatrical release is scheduled for February 19, 2027, and will feature the original version before the controversial Special Edition changes. The limited release will celebrate five decades since George Lucas introduced audiences to his legendary science-fiction universe.
The announcement is particularly exciting for longtime fans because the restoration brings back the original theatrical presentation of the movie. The film was later renamed Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, but originally reached cinemas simply as Star Wars in 1977.
For years, audiences have largely encountered the revised Special Edition versions, which included changes to scenes, visual effects and other elements. The newly restored theatrical version gives fans another opportunity to revisit the film as audiences originally experienced it.
Lucasfilm Co-President Lynwen Brennan welcomed the anniversary release, describing the return of the original film as a special way to celebrate its place in cinema history.
She said the studio was excited to bring the original version back to theaters and celebrate the milestone with fans throughout the anniversary year. Lucasfilm also plans additional activities, merchandise, publishing projects and interactive experiences.
The original theatrical cut has been difficult for fans to access through official releases. Its last appearance as part of a home-video release came in 2006, when the original versions were included as bonus features on DVD collections of the original trilogy.
Before that, the theatrical versions were officially available on VHS in 1995. George Lucas and Lucasfilm later focused on the Special Edition releases, which became the preferred versions for subsequent distribution.
The 2027 restoration is also significant because the original movie is expected to receive its first-ever IMAX presentation. Lucasfilm has confirmed that select locations will screen the film in IMAX 70mm, alongside other participating theaters.
The anniversary celebration will continue later in 2027 with another major theatrical release. Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is scheduled to arrive on May 28, 2027.
The upcoming film will introduce a standalone adventure featuring a new story and characters. Its cast also includes Amy Adams, Matt Smith, Mia Goth and Aaron Pierre.
With the original 1977 movie returning in a newly restored presentation, the franchise’s 50th anniversary will give longtime viewers and a new generation of audiences an opportunity to revisit the film that started the phenomenon.
