The original Star Wars movie is getting a rather nostalgic makeover for its 50th anniversary, with Lucasfilm bringing its original title back for a major theatrical release.
When George Lucas' space opera first arrived in cinemas in 1977, it was simply called Star Wars. The subtitle Episode IV: A New Hope was added later, distinguishing it from the sequels and prequels that would eventually expand the franchise.
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Now, Lucasfilm is revisiting the movie's origins. A newly revealed poster by artist Matt Ferguson uses the original Star Wars title, rather than the familiar A New Hope subtitle, as part of a newly restored theatrical release planned for February 19, 2027.
The original film, which stars Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), and Harrison Ford (Han Solo), will return to screens worldwide. The presentation will feature a special celebratory logo ahead of the movie, accompanied by a newly orchestrated score from John Williams, per StarWars.com, and both of which have been revealed in a new video:
Ferguson's artwork pays homage to the original poster created for the film's 1977 release, making the return to the original title particularly fitting.
More Star Wars 50th Anniversary Events and Releases
The theatrical release is just one part of Lucasfilm and Disney's year-long celebration.
There are also several new publishing projects on the way. Star Wars: A New Hope – Triple Take will retell the original story from Luke, Leia, and Han's perspectives, while Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles brings the galaxy far, far away together with Marvel's superheroes. Fans can also look forward to Star Wars: A New Hope – The Complete Manga, collecting Hisao Tamaki's four-volume adaptation.
The original movie will also receive an official Welsh-language dub, Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, featuring Matthew Rhys (Han Solo), Rhys Ifans (Obi-Wan Kenobi), and Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Princess Leia). It's scheduled to premiere on Christmas Day 2026.
The anniversary extends well beyond cinemas and comic books. Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Through the Galaxy opens at Philadelphia's Franklin Institute on February 13, 2027, before embarking on a five-year North American tour.
Star Wars Celebration will also return to Los Angeles from April 1–4, ahead of Star Wars Day on May the 4th, which will see the release of The Hero Awakens, a documentary from filmmaker R.J. Cutler, exclusively on Disney+. Featuring archival footage and audio captured during and around the making of the original film in 1977, it will take fans behind the scenes of the movie that started it all.
The next film in the franchise, Star Wars: Starfighter (2027), arrives in theaters on May 28, while Ahsoka (2023) Season 2 and Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord (2026) Season 2 are also expected to arrive on Disney+ in 2027.
Will you be watching Star Wars when it returns to theaters? Let us know in the comments!
