Star Wars 1977 Original Cut to Return in IMAX on February 19, 2027
Lucasfilm says the restored original theatrical cut will screen in IMAX 70mm for the first time, as part of the film's 50th anniversary.
Lucasfilm announced that the original 1977 theatrical cut of Star Wars will return to theaters on February 19, 2027, as part of the film's 50th anniversary celebrations. According to screenrant.com, the re-release will play for a limited time at select theaters.
The screenings will take place at select IMAX 70mm film locations, marking the first time Star Wars has been shown in IMAX. Lucasfilm said it has cleaned up the original cut, so the version audiences see will differ slightly from the print shown at the BFI.
The BFI National Archive discovered an original 1977 dye transfer IB Technicolor British release print of Star Wars, and the unedited film was shown at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX in June 2025.
Star Wars premiered in 1977 and grossed $775.8 million worldwide, or $3.8 billion adjusted for inflation. For the 1981 third re-release, George Lucas added the subtitle "Episode IV" and renamed the film "A New Hope", and he released the Special Editions in 1997.
Lucas told the Associated Press in 2004 that he wanted the films the way he wanted them, referring to the Special Editions, and a 2006 DVD included a poor-quality bonus feature version of the original cut. Former Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy had previously insisted no pre-Special Edition versions would be distributed.
Quick answers
When does the original 1977 cut of Star Wars return to theaters?
Lucasfilm set the re-release for February 19, 2027, as part of the film's 50th anniversary celebrations.
Where will the Star Wars re-release screen?
At select IMAX 70mm film locations, for a limited time. It is the first time Star Wars has been shown in IMAX.
Is the 2027 version the same as the print shown at the BFI?
No. Lucasfilm cleaned up the original cut, so it will differ slightly from the print shown at the BFI.