Katarzyna Petru
What fans of "Star Wars" have been waiting for decades has just become a reality. The original theatrical cut of "Star Wars: A New Hope" from 1977 is returning to screens – without any of George Lucas's later changes, with Han shooting first and no "fixes" from the special editions.
Lucasfilm has confirmed that the premiere will take place on 19 February 2027, exactly on the 50th anniversary of the iconic film. The return to cinemas is set to be a limited time event, but all signs point to this being just the beginning.
The Original That Fans Fought For
Since 1997, viewers have had to come to terms with the "Special Edition" version, which changed key scenes, added CGI, and shifted narrative emphasis. George Lucas has repeatedly stated that he does not plan to release the original, even in the face of fan pressure. However, Disney is now in charge – and it seems they are making different decisions. Lucasfilm openly confirms that the 1977 version will return to the big screen. Interestingly, Harrison Ford had previously publicly supported the restoration of the original.
Reckoned in 4K? Leak suggests more
Although technical details have yet to be provided, industry leaks say one thing:
Disney has prepared a full 4K restoration from the original film negatives.
There are even alleged internal screenshots circulating online that confirm this quality. If true, the re-release to cinemas is just the first step. It seems unrealistic for Disney to invest so much in a version intended only for a short showcase. Therefore, it is very likely that the original will also be available on Disney+ and in the form of a collector's edition on UHD Blu-ray. Perhaps already on May 4th – on Star Wars Day?
Disney is building a new era of ‘Star Wars’
The return to the roots fits perfectly into the studio's broader strategy. A new wave of Star Wars films is on the way:
The Mandalorian & Grogu – premiere in May 2026.
Star Wars: Starfighter with Ryan Gosling – 2027.
The last theatrical film – “The Rise of Skywalker” – debuted in 2019. Since then, the brand has gone through a phase of reorganisation and numerous directional changes. The revival of the original “Star Wars” could be a symbolic opening of the anniversary and a new stage for the entire franchise.
After 50 years, fans are getting what they’ve long asked for:
1977 “Star Wars” returns in its purest form.
No changes, no CGI, with Han shooting first – just as the first cinema audiences saw it. And if the announcements about the 4K restoration prove true, it could be the most important release of the film since its premiere.
