The original 1977 cut of Star Wars (A New Hope) returns to theaters on Feb 19, 2027

Good news for purists: Lucasfilm is re‑releasing a newly restored version of the original 1977 theatrical cut of Star Wars: A New Hope in theaters on February 19, 2027. This screening restores the movie as audiences first saw it, before George Lucas’ later Special Edition changes in the 1990s (including updated CGI and the controversial Greedo/Han edit).

The announcement frames the reissue as part of the film’s 50th‑anniversary commemoration. While details about how wide the release will be and whether other original cuts (like those of The Empire Strikes Back or Return of the Jedi) will follow have not been confirmed, this is a rare opportunity to see the original theatrical presentation on the big screen.

What’s different in the original 1977 cut?

• The original practical effects and editing, without the later CGI touch‑ups added for the 1997 Special Editions.
• The original Han/Greedo canteen scene, where Han famously fires first — a change that many fans prefer over the later edit that altered who shot first.
• No added digital characters or extended CGI sequences introduced in subsequent re‑releases.

Why this matters

The restoration gives fans and film historians a chance to re‑experience the movie as it debuted in 1977, preserving the original pacing, effects and performances. For many viewers, theatrical presentation — especially in a restored 4K print on a large screen — can reveal details and textures not apparent in home or streamed versions.

Practical details

• Release date: February 19, 2027 (50th anniversary season).
• Version: Newly restored theatrical release of Star Wars (1977), not the later Special Edition.
• Availability: Specific theater listings and ticketing information have not been published yet — check local cinemas and Lucasfilm/StarWars updates for showtimes.

If you want the official notice and updates, watch Lucasfilm’s announcements on the Star Wars website: StarWars.com news.

Discussion: Will you be lining up to see the original 1977 cut in theaters — and which changes from the Special Editions do you most want to see undone on the big screen?