Star Wars fans, this is a big one. Lucasfilm and Disney have just announced two massive theatrical moments happening in 2027 as part of the franchise’s landmark 50th anniversary celebration, and both of them involve IMAX in a big way.
The Original Star Wars in IMAX for the First Time Ever
In all of its nearly 50 years of existence, the original Star Wars (1977) has never been shown in IMAX. That changes on February 19, 2027.
As part of Lucasfilm’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, a newly restored version of the film that started it all — later retitled Star Wars: A New Hope — will receive its very first IMAX release ever, in either digital or film format. It will screen across a select number of IMAX 70mm film locations as well as playing in select theaters for a limited time.
If you have never had the chance to see this legendary film on the big screen, or even if you have, this is a truly once in a lifetime opportunity to experience it the way it was always meant to feel — huge.
Star Wars: Starfighter Arrives in IMAX 70mm on May 28, 2027
Then comes the big one for the actual anniversary weekend. On May 28, 2027 — the 50th anniversary weekend of the original Star Wars film’s premiere — Lucasfilm will release Star Wars: Starfighter in theaters, and it was built for IMAX from the ground up.
Starfighter was shot with IMAX certified film cameras and converted to IMAX 70mm film prints, meaning this is the full large format experience at select IMAX locations.
The film comes from director and producer Shawn Levy, the creative force behind Deadpool and Wolverine and Stranger Things, and stars Ryan Gosling as Kade Auberon. The story follows a cynical rogue who is confronted by his mysterious past and hurled into a dangerous adventure across the galaxy that puts him on a crash course with destiny.
The cast also includes Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, Flynn Gray, and Amy Adams. The film is written by Jonathan Tropper and produced by Shawn Levy and Kathleen Kennedy, with Ryan Gosling, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, Dave Filoni, and Dan Levine serving as executive producers.
A Year Worth Celebrating
Between the original film hitting IMAX for the first time and a brand new standalone adventure built for the big screen, 2027 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for Star Wars fans everywhere. Whether you grew up with A New Hope or are just falling in love with the galaxy far, far away for the first time, there has never been a better year to get to a theater.
Are you planning to see either of these in IMAX? Let us know in the comments!
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