The original theatrical cut of ‘Star Wars’ is coming back to theaters for its 50th anniversary

Something many Star Wars fans had given up hope on was ever seeing the original theatrical version of the 1977 first film in the sci-fi series. Part of this was due to creator George Lucas’ nonstop tinkering with the film over the last 30 years, adding new special effects, scenes that weren’t in the original and changing a few other scenes to fans’ chagrin (the Han Solo / Greedo encounter for one); the other being a lack of a good print of the original.

As to the latter, a “remarkable” “first print” of Star Wars (later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope) was found and screened at the BFI this summer. Now comes news that the original theatrical print of Star Wars will be rereleased in theaters around the world for the film’s 50th anniversary. Via StarWars.com: “On February 19, 2027, we’ll celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Wars with a re-release of the 1977 original back for a limited time, in theaters everywhere.”

It’s part of a year-long Star Wars at 50 celebration and details of all that are still to come. Stay tuned. Watch the original trailer for Star Wars below.