The original Star Wars, released in 1977, is set to return to cinemas for a special 70mm IMAX re-release next year. Lucasfilm and IMAX confirmed the upcoming engagement, which will allow audiences to experience the science-fantasy epic on the grandest screens available. The film is scheduled for February 19, 2027, and will play in a select number of IMAX 70mm film locations for a limited time.
This re-release is significant as it promises to show the film in its original form, free from the alterations and digital effects George Lucas famously added to subsequent versions. For decades, fans seeking the unaltered original have relied on older home video formats or fan-restored versions. This theatrical run offers a chance to see the film as it was first presented to audiences, before "A New Hope" was added to its title and before Lucas's continuous tinkering.
In 2025, a screening organized by the British Film Institute showcased what was believed to be the earliest cut of the original Star Wars, untouched by Lucas's revisions. This upcoming IMAX 70mm engagement is expected to present a similarly pristine version of the film, potentially including an original opening crawl that predates the addition of "A New Hope."
Alongside the original Star Wars, Lucasfilm and IMAX also confirmed that the upcoming stand-alone adventure, "Star Wars: Starfighter," will receive the IMAX treatment. Directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling as a cynical rogue, "Starfighter" was filmed with IMAX-certified cameras and converted for IMAX 70mm release. The film is slated for release on May 28, 2027.
The return of the original Star Wars to theaters, particularly in the immersive 70mm IMAX format, marks a significant event for longtime fans eager to revisit the cinematic landmark in its purest form.