Star Wars: A New Hope Returns to Theaters for 50th Anniversary April 2027

Disney and Lucasfilm have officially set Star Wars: A New Hope for a theatrical re-release beginning April 30, 2027, in celebration of the film’s 50th anniversary. The original 1977 Star Wars movie will return to theaters nationwide for a limited time and play over the annual May the 4th fan holiday.

This re-release is part of Lucasfilm’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration for Star Wars. It marks a rare chance for audiences—old and new—to experience the film that launched one of the biggest franchises in history back on the big screen.

StarWars.com made the official announcement:

On April 30th, 2027, we’ll celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Wars with a re-release of the 1977 classic back for a limited time, in theaters everywhere. 

Part of Lucasfilm’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, Star Wars: A New Hope will play in theaters over the May the 4th holiday, also known as Star Wars Day.

No Word on Which Version Will Play

Disney has yet to confirm which version of Star Wars: A New Hope will hit theaters in 2027. It’s unclear if the release will feature George Lucas’ controversial 1997 Special Edition edits—including the debated Han vs. Greedo moment—or if Disney will revert to an earlier cut.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy recently confirmed the existence and screening of the original, unaltered cut of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. 

This uncertainty follows a recent screening by the British Film Institute, which showed an original 1977 Technicolor print and praised its preserved quality. That version, rarely seen today, was used for the first UK release.

Star Wars Still Holds Box Office Power

Star Wars: A New Hope remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time, with $461 million in domestic box office and $775 million worldwide. The 1997 re-release alone added another $138 million in the U.S. and $160 million globally, proving that fans are willing to show up again and again.

The 2027 re-release may serve a similar function as the 1997 rollout, which helped set the stage for the Prequel Trilogy. It’s possible Disney could be eyeing something similar with its next Star Wars theatrical projects.

Tickets and More Details Coming

Details about ticket sales, participating theaters, and potential formats (including IMAX or restored prints) will be shared on StarWars.com as the release date approaches.