The original theatrical cut of Star Wars is returning to theaters to celebrate its 50th anniversary

Many Star Wars fans had given up hope of ever seeing the original cut of the iconic first movie in theaters ever again, but sometimes, dreams do come true. Lucasfilm and Disney have announced that Star Wars will be re-released in theaters on February 19, 2027 to celebrate its 50th anniversary in a “newly restored version” of the original theatrical release. If I may borrow a phrase from a young Sith Lord, that’s so wizard.

How Has Star Wars Been Changed Since its Original Release?

George Lucas began tinkering with the film almost immediately, adding “Episode IV” and “A New Hope” to the opening crawl for the film’s 1981 re-release. However, the most significant changes arrived with the release of the Special Edition in 1997. Newly created visual effects were incorporated throughout the film, including a new scene in which Han Solo confronts Jabba the Hutt in the Millennium Falcon’s launch bay in Mos Eisley.

Speaking of Han Solo, one change proved to be particularly controversial. In the original theatrical cut, when the smuggler is confronted by Greedo in the cantina, he proves to be quicker on the draw and guns down the bounty hunter. But in the special edition, it’s Greedo who shoots first, with Han Solo awkwardly dodging the blaster bolt before returning fire. Lucas made the change so Han wouldn’t be perceived as a cold-blooded killer, but fans were pissed. Subsequent releases of the film changed this scene even further, with Han shooting a little more quickly in the 2004 DVD release, but still after Greedo. In the 2011 Blu-ray release, they shoot pretty much at the same time, and in the 2019 4K release on Disney+, Greedo randomly says “ma klounkee” just before they fire at each other.

So, at long last, Han will finally shoot first in theaters.

More to come…

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