Star Wars (1977) Returns to the Big Screens: Lucasfilm Plans a Release for the Saga's 50th Anniversary

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the legendary film saga, Lucasfilm has officially confirmed that the original version of Star Wars (1977) will return to theaters without the digital changes and additions George Lucas made in 1997 in the so-called Special Edition. The release is scheduled for February 19, 2027.

What is known

The official site starwars.com has updated the description of the upcoming release, which is listed as a "newly restored classic theatrical version of 1977." Journalists from Gizmodo received further confirmation that this is indeed about the original cut, where Greedo doesn't shoot first, and Han Solo acts quickly and decisively, as intended from the beginning.

This release will be a gift for fans who have criticized the digital changes for decades: the CGI Jabba, updated palace scenes, altered musical numbers, and the infamous "Noooo…" by Darth Vader in the 2011 Blu-ray version, which many found unnecessary and overly dramatized.

The return of the original "Episode IV" is not just nostalgia; it is also a recognition of the importance of authenticity in film heritage. There is hope that Lucasfilm and Disney will continue this practice with other parts of the saga, including Return of the Jedi, but that will have to wait until 2033.

Source: Star Wars