Original 1977 Star Wars Coming to IMAX for the First Time in 70mm for 50th Anniversary
·
15.09.2026 18:34
·
2 min read
Lucasfilm and Disney have confirmed that George Lucas’s original 1977 Star Wars film will get its first-ever IMAX theatrical release. Timed to celebrate the franchise’s 50th anniversary, screenings of the restored movie kick off on February 19, 2027, including showtimes on analog 70mm IMAX film.
Restoration of the Original 1977 Cut
The release features the very first space opera film, which debuted in theaters on May 25, 1977, under the concise title Star Wars before later acquiring the subtitle “Episode IV: A New Hope.” Over its half-century history, the masterpiece has never been officially screened in large-format IMAX auditoriums.
For the anniversary theatrical run, the studio prepared a comprehensive restoration built around the original 1977 theatrical release. This is a critical detail for film buffs: starting with the 1997 Special Edition, George Lucas repeatedly edited the film, introducing controversial CGI, altering color grading, and re-cutting scenes—including the classic debate over who shot first, Han Solo or Greedo.
As noted by Space.com, the studio has not yet disclosed a detailed list of preserved elements from the original cut, but bringing the historic version to 70mm film will itself be a milestone event for movie theaters.
Premiere of Star Wars: Starfighter Starring Ryan Gosling
The milestone year of 2027 will unite the past and future of the franchise on screen: three months after the classic film returns, audiences will see an all-new standalone movie.
According to an announcement on StarWars.com, the blockbuster Star Wars: Starfighter from director Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) arrives in theaters on May 28, 2027. Ryan Gosling stars as space pilot Kade Oberon, alongside Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, and Amy Adams. The film was shot natively with IMAX-certified cameras alongside preparations for film prints.
Moviegoers will have a rare opportunity to experience both the half-century-old origins of the space saga and its newest chapter in premium auditoriums. Lucasfilm will announce the list of certified theaters and ticket presale dates at a later time.
