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 without any "corrections" 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 intended to be time-limited, but everything suggests that this is just the beginning.
The Original That Fans Have Fought For
Since 1997, viewers have had to come to terms with the "Special Edition," which altered key scenes, added CGI, and shifted narrative emphases. George Lucas repeatedly stated that he had no plans to release the original, even in the face of fan pressure. However, Disney is now in charge – and as it appears, they are making different decisions. Lucasfilm openly confirms that the 1977 version will return to the big screen. Interestingly, Harrison Ford had already publicly supported the restoration of the original.
Recreated in 4K? The leak suggests more
Although technical details have not yet been provided, industry leaks say one thing:
Disney has prepared a complete 4K restoration from the original film negatives.
Alleged internal screenshots confirming this quality are even circulating online. If true, the theatrical re-release 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 as a collectible UHD Blu-ray release. Perhaps already on May 4th – on Star Wars Day?
Disney is building a new era of 'Star Wars'
A return to its roots fits perfectly into the studio's larger strategy. A new wave of Star Wars films is on the horizon:
The Mandalorian & Grogu – premiere in May 2026.
Star Wars: Starfighter starring Ryan Gosling – 2027.
The last theatrical film – 'The Rise of Skywalker' – debuted in 2019. Since then, the brand has undergone a phase of reorganisation and numerous directional changes. The revival of the original 'Star Wars' may symbolically mark the opening of a jubilee and a new stage for the entire franchise.
After 50 years, fans are getting what they have long requested:
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 to be true, this could be the most important release of the film since its premiere.
