2027 will see Lucasfilm celebrate Star Wars‘ 50th anniversary, and they really have just become a “once-in-a-generation event.” The last few years have seen several major anniversaries pᴀss for Star Wars, and the fandom has had an opportunity to rewatch some classic movies on the big screen.

2027 will be the biggest anniversary yet, the 50th anniversary of Star Wars. What we hadn’t expected, though, was for Lucasfilm to start promoting this anniversary so far out by announcing the movie’s return to the big screen:

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.

Attentive viewers may notice one thrilling deal, with means this really will fulfil the studio’s promise…

This Looks Like The Original, Unedited Star Wars From 1977

It Was Only Recovered This Year

Until April this year, we thought the original, unedited Star Wars was gone. George Lucas began making edits to the movie all the way back in 1981, when he added the subтιтle “Episode IV – A New Hope,” and the subsequent Star Wars Special Editions led to many more changes. Lucas subsequently made it almost impossible to watch the originals.

And then, shockingly, the BFI announced a showing of the original Star Wars. It seems the U.K.’s National Archive retained a copy of the original, before Lucas had even added that iconic subтιтle, and it showed to a small number of lucky viewers in June. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy attended personally, reᴀssuring attendees this was approved.

Notice the precise wording of Lucasfilm’s announcement. This is the re-release of Star Wars, not A New Hope – the “1977 classic back for a limited time.” This is Star Wars like nothing most of the modern fandom have ever seen before, the original, unedited version. It’s probably the most exciting thing Lucasfilm could have announced for the anniversary.

The 50th Anniversary Is Truly Going To Be Historic

Why Would Lucasfilm Announce It This Far Out?

The real surprise, though, is that Lucasfilm is announcing this so far out. In truth, Kennedy hinted this showing might be taking place when she briefly spoke at the BFI, introducing the original, unedited movie; but nobody had expected to hear anything more until next year at the earliest.

There can only be one reason for Lucasfilm to announce this over a year and a half before the re-release. It is because the studio intend to celebrate the 50th anniversary in style, and will be building up to this event for the next 19 months.

If that’s the case, then this is only the beginning – and Star Wars‘ 50th anniversary will be bigger than anyone dreamed.