Every once in a while, Disney and Lucasfilm drop a piece of news that sends a shockwave through fandom — and we recently got one of those days. As part of Lucasfilm’s yearlong celebration of the Star Wars 50th anniversary, the original 1977 film is returning to theaters in 2027. Yes, the film. The one that started it all. Star Wars.
First announced at Star Wars Celebration. For longtime fans, this isn’t just a re-release. It’s the chance to relive the experience that defined modern cinema. For newer fans, it’s an opportunity to finally see the original Star Wars on the big screen — the way it was meant to be seen.
What we hope to see in 2027
Picture this: the film we saw in 1977, with that same opening crawl, the original cantina scene, the score, the tension, and the breath‑catching first sight of the Death Star. That’s No Moon. You’re watching it in a theater that honors the film’s era, maybe even with vintage‑style posters in the lobby. Whether you experienced the original in 1977 or are seeing it for the first time, there is something special about that first experience.
Then you step out, and in the gift shop, there’s a bucket shaped like something we’ve never seen before—a brand‑new icon that still feels classic.
Sure, an R2‑D2 bucket or a Darth Vader helmet bucket seems almost guaranteed, it’s been done. A Death Star bucket would be thrilling in its own right; that’s been done. But I’m hoping for something that makes collectors pause and say, I didn’t expect that. Maybe Red Five, an X‑wing, or a surprise from the cantina. Perhaps a Hammerhead or Jawa design, the sandcrawler. Something that nods to the very first adventure we fell in love with, but with a twist for the 50th anniversary.
It’s not just about sales or novelty. It’s about capturing that original theater feeling in a takeaway fans can hold in their hands. Years from now, they can remember exactly where they were on that 50th birthday of the galaxy far, far away.
The bigger picture for fans and storytellers
The theatrical re‑release and Star Wars Celebration in Los Angeles in 2027 will give fans a shared moment that feels structural. It feels almost ritualistic, rather than promotional or fleeting. It’s the kind of moment that generations talk about—how they lined up, what they wore, what they bought. They remember which scenes made them cheer or sit in stunned silence again.
It also creates space for all kinds of companion moments: screenings with friends who remember the original, discussions about how the film shaped culture, stories about seeing it the first time, debates about favorite scenes, and yes, the hunt for brand‑new collectibles that tell a story of their own.
A few things we’ll be watching next
- Ticket announcements and theater locations for the February re‑release. Will classic theaters or modern chains host special events? Will there be Q&As or limited merchandise drops tied to certain screenings?
- The full programming details for Star Wars Celebration—panels, surprises, exclusive reveals, and merchandise. A major anniversary theme hints at possibilities beyond the usual, and fans should expect curated surprises that honor the classic era.
- Any hints about additional collectibles or exclusive editions tied to both the theatrical run and Celebration. Limited runs or timed releases could define the year.
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. These years lay 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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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.
