A historic first in the Star Wars franchise has just made the upcoming 50th anniversary of the first movie all the more exciting. As everyone now knows, the first Star Wars movie in release order was, well, Star Wars, now reтιтled A New Hope. The movie was released on May 25, 1977, and kickstarted the Star Wars franchise as we know it today. The ranking of Star Wars movies differs from person to person, but none can deny the sheer importance of George Lucas’ first movie.

With that importance in mind, attention is turning to the 50th anniversary of Star Wars. Upcoming Star Wars movies like The Mandalorian and Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter are set to usher the theatrical franchise into a new age, with the latter releasing in the same year as A New Hope‘s 50th birthday. Combined with upcoming Star Wars TV shows, the future of the franchise has never been more exciting, yet the celebrations of A New Hope turning 50 in 2027 look to be just as thrilling after a historic first for the franchise just two years earlier in 2025.

The First Print Of Star Wars Was Just Shown In The U.K.

Star Wars As It Has Not Been Seen For A Long Time

The “first” in question that took place in 2025 was the screening of the original Star Wars in a theater. Of course, this has likely happened numerous times over the decades since 1977, but this screening was special. Shown exclusively at the British Film Insтιтute, this version of Star Wars was stripped of all changes George Lucas has made to the cut since the year of its release. Gone were the CGI additions, VFX embellishments, and other elements intended to modernize Star Wars and blend it with the prequels; attendees got to see the authentic version of Star Wars for the first time in 47 years.

The First Print Sounds As If It Was Absolutely Unforgettable

An Experience For The Ages

Based on a report of the Star Wars screening by The Telegraph, it sounds as though the original cut of A New Hope was unforgettable. So many of us Star Wars fans know A New Hope back to front by now, but there are not many of us who can say we have seen the completely unaltered version from 1977. Some got the chance to see exactly this, with the new-old look of Star Wars coming as somewhat of a shock to those in attendance.

After seeing the altered designs of the ships, the updated CGI effects, and the additional scenes that have caused equal amounts of controversy and debate, it seems as though the original Star Wars was an unforgettable experience. Claims that fans erupted into applause at the clarity of Han Solo shooting first or the simple joy at seeing a film play out without the sheen placed upon it by modern effects prove this. As the first time Lucas’ original cut has legally been screened in a cinema in 47 years, this unforgettable event will stick with those who attended.

Did Kathleen Kennedy Just Hint This Will Be Released For The 50th Anniversary?

Could Star Wars’ Original Cut Mark A Significant Birthday?

To make the Star Wars screening at the British Film Insтιтute all the more exciting, Kathleen Kennedy introduced it on stage. Kennedy was reportedly in London to oversee casting for Ryan Gosling’s Star Wars: Starfighter, yet took the time to ensure audiences that this cut of Star Wars was being shown legally and with Lucas’ approval. Another of Kennedy’s comments has been doing the rounds on social media, with many wondering if the Lucasfilm president hinted that the unaltered cut of A New Hope would receive a wide release for the film’s upcoming 50th anniversary.

Kennedy was asked about Star Wars turning 50 in 2027, stating that it is “unbelievable.” Kennedy goes on to say that the people at Lucasfilm are already talking about what that celebration will look like, in reference to Star Wars Celebration, the large convention that is held every two years to celebrate all things from a galaxy far, far away. Some have taken this to mean that Kennedy was confirming the uncut version of Star Wars will be released to coincide with the 50th anniversary, but it is worth noting she was not doing so.

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That being said, as fans, we can dream. Releasing the original version of A New Hope for fans to witness around the world on the 50th anniversary of the film would be a perfect way to celebrate such an occasion. Whether this will happen or not remains to be seen, but it is clear the uncut version of Star Wars is truly a fantastic thing to experience right before the franchise’s 50th celebrations kick into gear.