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 theaters - without any of George Lucas's later changes, with Han shooting first and without any "fixes" from the special editions.
Lucasfilm has confirmed that the premiere will take place on February 19, 2027, which is exactly the 50th anniversary of the iconic film. The return to theaters is expected to be limited in time, but everything indicates that this is 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 focuses. George Lucas has repeatedly stated that he does not plan to release the original, even despite fan pressure. However, Disney is now in charge – and as it turns out, is making different decisions. Lucasfilm openly confirms that the 1977 version will return to the big screen. Interestingly, Harrison Ford has previously publicly supported the return of the original.
Restored in 4K? Leak Suggests More
Although technical details have not yet been provided, industry leaks say one thing:
Disney has prepared a full 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 brief showing. Therefore, it is very likely that the original will also be available on Disney+ and as a collector's edition on UHD Blu-ray. Perhaps already on May 4th – on Star Wars Day?
Disney Builds a New Era of "Star Wars"
The return to the roots fits perfectly into the studio's larger strategy. A new wave of Star Wars films is on the way:
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 gone through a phase of reorganization and numerous shifts in direction. The revival of the original "Star Wars" may be a symbolic opening of the anniversary and a new stage for the entire franchise.
After 50 years, fans are getting what they've longed 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.
