A long time ago (nearly 50 years ago, in fact) Star Wars changed movies forever. Now, Disney and Lucasfilm are preparing to celebrate the franchise’s half-century milestone with a yearlong slate of theatrical releases, collectibles, special events and new programming throughout 2027.
The celebration will commemorate the 50th anniversary of George Lucas’ original Star Wars, which opened in theaters on May 25, 1977, before eventually becoming known as Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope. Among the planned highlights are a theatrical return for the original movie, anniversary merchandise from LEGO and Hasbro, and a new Disney+ documentary titled Star Wars: The Hero Awakens.
The Original ‘Star Wars’ Returns to Theaters
One of the centerpieces of the anniversary celebration will arrive February 19, 2027, when a restored version of the original 1977 Star Wars returns to theaters. The release is expected to include presentations in IMAX 70mm, digital IMAX, 70mm, 35mm and 4DX.
The rerelease will also mark the first time the original film has been presented in IMAX. For longtime fans who never had an opportunity to experience the movie during its original theatrical run, the anniversary will offer a chance to see the film that launched the franchise back on the big screen.
The theatrical return is particularly notable because Lucasfilm is promoting it as a restoration of the original 1977 film. The release is intended to celebrate the movie’s place in cinema history while introducing it to another generation of moviegoers.
New Documentary ‘Star Wars: The Hero Awakens’ Coming to Disney+
The anniversary celebration will also include Star Wars: The Hero Awakens, a new documentary announced for Disney+ on May 4, 2027. The project adds a retrospective component to the festivities, giving audiences another opportunity to revisit the history and cultural impact of George Lucas’ groundbreaking science-fiction franchise.
The documentary joins a growing collection of Star Wars behind-the-scenes programming on Disney+, including Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy, Light & Magic and Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return. Together, these productions explore the filmmakers, performers and creative processes that helped establish Star Wars as one of the most influential properties in entertainment.
The timing of The Hero Awakens makes it a particularly fitting addition to the anniversary lineup. While the theatrical rerelease will allow audiences to revisit the original adventure, the documentary will provide another way to reflect on the franchise’s legacy five decades after its debut.
Hasbro Goes Back to the Beginning
Hasbro is leaning heavily into nostalgia for its anniversary lineup, introducing new figures across its Black Series, Vintage Collection and Retro Collection. Many of the releases take their inspiration directly from A New Hope and the original era of Star Wars toys.
The six-inch Black Series will add new versions of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and R2-D2. The 3.75-inch Vintage Collection will include Darth Vader, Arleil Schous and a Stormtrooper, along with a Death Star Escape four-pack featuring Han Solo, Luke, Leia and Chewbacca.
Hasbro’s Retro Collection goes even further in recreating the look and feel of the toys that helped turn Star Wars into a merchandising phenomenon. Ben Kenobi, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Leia, Luke, Darth Vader and other characters will receive vintage-inspired figures, while an Episode IV Action Figure Set will include a cardboard display reminiscent of the earliest days of Star Wars collecting.
The approach is appropriate considering the role action figures have played in the history of the franchise. The original Kenner toys became a cultural phenomenon following the release of Star Wars, establishing a merchandising model that would influence blockbuster filmmaking for decades.
LEGO Marks Its Own ‘Star Wars’ Anniversary
LEGO is celebrating two milestones at once. Along with the 50th anniversary of Star Wars, 2027 will mark 30 years since the company’s partnership with Lucasfilm began.
Seven new LEGO Star Wars sets are scheduled to launch globally on January 1, 2027. The anniversary collection will include artwork, vehicles, helmets and display models based on memorable elements from throughout the saga.
The sets will also feature exclusive minifigures based on Ralph McQuarrie’s original Star Wars concept artwork, giving collectors representations of characters inspired by their appearances during the franchise’s earliest stages of development. Reimagined collectible poster tiles will also accompany the anniversary sets.
Adidas, M&M’s and More Join the Celebration
The anniversary merchandise won’t be limited to toys. Disney Consumer Products and Lucasfilm are working with a wide range of companies on collaborations spanning apparel, food, automobiles, electronics and other categories throughout 2027.
Adidas is developing footwear and streetwear inspired by the characters and visual style of the original film, while Mars will bring Star Wars to brands including M&M’s. Aston Martin is also collaborating with Disney and Lucasfilm on products and activations, while Steinway is among the other brands participating in the anniversary campaign.
More products and partnerships are expected to be announced as the anniversary year progresses. Lucasfilm says the celebration will encompass limited-edition merchandise, publishing, interactive games, fan events and special offerings at Disney Parks and aboard Disney Cruise Line.
An Immersive ‘Star Wars’ Exhibition Is Coming to Philadelphia
Fans looking for something beyond collectibles will be able to visit Star Wars: The Experience — A Journey Through the Galaxy, an 18,000-square-foot exhibition making its world premiere at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
Developed by the Franklin Institute in collaboration with MDSX, Lucasfilm and Disney Consumer Products, the attraction is being billed as the largest and most comprehensive behind-the-scenes traveling exhibition devoted to Star Wars. It opens February 13, 2027, and is scheduled to remain in Philadelphia through September 6.
Cosm will offer another unusual way to revisit the original film beginning in late March. Select U.S. locations will host full-dome presentations of A New Hope, accompanied by themed food and beverage options.
‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ Brings the Franchise Back to the Big Screen
The anniversary year won’t be focused entirely on the past. Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is scheduled to arrive in theaters May 28, 2027, almost exactly 50 years after the original movie’s May 25, 1977 debut.
The standalone adventure will receive a large-format rollout that includes IMAX 70mm presentations at select theaters. Its arrival gives Lucasfilm an opportunity to celebrate where Star Wars began while simultaneously introducing audiences to the franchise’s next theatrical adventure.
With the original movie returning to theaters, a new documentary arriving on Disney+, anniversary collectibles hitting store shelves and another feature film on the horizon, Lucasfilm is approaching the 50th anniversary from several directions. Additional announcements are expected as the celebration approaches, giving fans plenty of opportunities to revisit the galaxy far, far away throughout 2027.