Did you miss the original release of Star Wars back in 1977? Perhaps you found it strange, were unwilling to wait in line for tickets, or if you’re younger than 50, you simply weren’t born yet.
You’ll have another opportunity on February 19, when Disney reintroduces both the original film and a 70-millimeter IMAX version to celebrate its anniversary.
“It is remarkably significant to commemorate the 50th anniversary by bringing the original version of Star Wars back to cinemas so that audiences can witness this segment of cinematic history on the big screen,” stated Lynwen Brennan, co-president of Lucasfilm, in a news release.
This will not be the first instance of Star Wars—also referred to as Star Wars: A New Hope—returning to theaters. For its 20th anniversary in 1997, creator George Lucas re-released it with various modifications, including CGI enhancements, extra scenes, and the infamous change where the character Greedo shoots at Han Solo first during the Mos Eisley Cantina scene.
Disney, which acquired the franchise and Lucasfilm in 2012, has announced that the upcoming release will feature a “restored version” of the 1977 film.
The franchise is currently under the guidance of Brennan and Dave Filoni after Kathleen Kennedy stepped down in January.
This re-release is part of a series of projects planned for 2027, which will also include a new season of the live-action series Ahsoka, a documentary detailing the making of A New Hope, and the theatrical debut of Star Wars: Starfighter.
Ryan Gosling, left, and Shawn Levy speak on stage at Comic-Con in San Diego, Calif., on July 25, 2026. Levy will direct Gosling in next year’s new Star Wars film. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
The new film is set to be released in theaters on May 28 and will feature two Canadians.
Ryan Gosling (The Fall Guy, Blade Runner 2049) will portray a cynical rogue (sound familiar?) with a mysterious background, who becomes involved in a galactic quest, working under Montreal-born director Shawn Levy, known for Big Fat Liar, Night at the Museum, and most recently, Deadpool & Wolverine.
According to Lucasfilm, the storyline will unfold five years after the events of 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker.
This will be the first Star Wars film in theaters since last year’s The Mandalorian and Grogu, which ended the hiatus since The Rise of Skywalker, but only earned $345.8 million globally, marking it as the franchise’s lowest-grossing live-action film.
The franchise has recently fared better on streaming platforms, with the second season of Ahsoka set to premiere on Disney+ on January 20, featuring both Rosario Dawson as the titular former Jedi and Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker.
The new season will continue from where the first left off, as Ahsoka pursues Grand Admiral Thrawn, a former leader of the Empire who has once again declared war on the Rebel Alliance.
The show will also introduce Rory McCann as the recast antagonist Baylan Skol, following the passing of Ray Stevenson in 2023.
The documentary The Hero Awakens will debut on Disney+ on May 4, also known as Star Wars Day.
Directed by R.J. Cutler, recognized for documentaries like 1993’s The War Room and The September Issue, it will, as per a press release, include previously unseen archival footage and audio from the making of the 1977 film.
A new poster for 1977’s Star Wars by artist Matt Ferguson marks its return to theatres in 2027. (Walt Disney Studios)