As we approach 2027, excitement is building for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars. The centerpiece of the celebration will be the highly anticipated Star Wars Celebration 2027. It sets the stage for a yearlong tribute to a galaxy far, far away. In addition, Lucasfilm confirmed the theatrical re-release of Star Wars: A New Hope, beginning April 30, 2027, timed with the May the 4th holiday. Editor’s Note: I want to see the original Star Wars as it was in May 1977, without special editions or Episode IV, just Star Wars, please.
Star Wars Celebration 2027: The Centerpiece of the Anniversary
Star Wars Celebration 2027 will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center from April 1 to 4, 2027. As the official kickoff event, Celebration anchors the entire 50th anniversary year.
The highly anticipated opening of the George Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles is also expected to tie in. This will create a unique convergence of Star Wars history and artistry in the city where it all began.
A New Hope Returns to Theaters
Following the Celebration, on April 30, 2027, Star Wars: A New Hope returns to theaters for a limited run. The release will carry through May the 4th Star Wars Day. For many, it’s a chance to relive the magic of 1977. For a new generation, it’s the first opportunity to see the film on the big screen.
New Star Wars Movies on the Horizon
While we’ll be looking back to the original Star Wars movie, 2026 and 2027 continue the journey forward, laying the foundation for the next 50 years of storytelling. Lucasfilm has confirmed two major theatrical releases.
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- The Mandalorian & Grogu — May 27, 2026. Directed by Jon Favreau and co-written with Dave Filoni, this highly anticipated film brings Din Djarin and Grogu (Baby Yoda) to the big screen for the first time. Pedro Pascal returns as Mando, alongside new faces including Sigourney Weaver as Colonel Ward, Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt, and Jonny Coyne as an, as of now, unnamed Imperial Warlord.
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- Star Wars: Starfighter — December, 2027 Directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine), this new adventure stars Ryan Gosling and takes place about five years after The Rise of Skywalker. Starfighter promises to explore entirely new corners of the galaxy with fresh characters and storylines, expanding the saga beyond the Skywalker legacy. The film was announced at Star Wars Celebration Japan in April 2025, where teaser footage and casting news first thrilled fans.
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Both films are expected to be major highlights of Celebration 2027, with sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes panels, and exclusive merchandise. Together, they represent not only the continuation of stories but also the launchpad for the next era of Star Wars.
Updates Coming to Disney Parks
The Star Wars 50th anniversary also brings exciting updates to Disney Parks. At Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will debut a new mission on May 22, 2026. Tied directly to The Mandalorian & Grogu.
Beyond Smugglers Run, fans can expect roaming BDX droids. The return of Season of the Force events at Disneyland. May the 4th Celebrations, and expanded Star Wars experiences tied into the 50th anniversary celebrations worldwide.
Building the Hype
With Star Wars Celebration 2027 in Los Angeles leading the way, A New Hope returning to theaters, two new films on the horizon, and immersive park updates, the 50th anniversary will deliver the biggest Star Wars celebration yet. It offers longtime fans a chance to relive the saga’s origins and invites a new generation to embrace the Force like never before.
