A long time ago, in 1977, a little movie called Star Wars changed everything. Next year marks 50 years since the original film premiered on May 25, 1977, and Disney and Lucasfilm are going all out to celebrate. Following new announcements at New York Comic Con, here’s everything planned so far, month by month.
January 2027
Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles
Kevin Smith writes this five issue limited comic series with art by David Marquez, in which Luke, Leia and Han meet Marvel heroes including Spider-Man and the Avengers. Issue one arrives in January.
February 2027
Original Trilogy Audiobooks (February 2)
For the first time, the original novelizations of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi will be released as unabridged audiobooks, narrated by Marc Thompson.
Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Through the Galaxy (Opens February 13)
This one is huge. The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia will open what’s described as the largest and most comprehensive behind the scenes traveling Star Wars exhibition yet, running through September 6, 2027, before beginning a five year tour of North America.
Highlights include:
- More than 70 artifacts, including Darth Vader’s armor, Darth Maul’s lightsaber hilt, R2-D2, C-3PO, Grogu and a full size speeder bike
- A recreation of Queen Amidala’s throne room
- A full scale Han Solo in carbonite
- A toy gallery with more than 100 figures and collectibles, including over 30 rare prototypes
Star Wars: A New Hope – A Visual Archive
A new book from Insight Editions, announced at New York Comic Con.
The Original 1977 Film Returns to Theaters (February 19)
This might be the biggest news for longtime fans. A newly restored version of the original 1977 theatrical release, not the later Special Edition, returns to theaters for a limited time. It will also get its first ever IMAX presentation, including select IMAX 70mm locations.
March 2027
Star Wars: A New Hope – The Complete Manga (March 16)
A deluxe collection of the Eisner Award winning four volume manga adaptation.
April 2027
Star Wars Celebration Los Angeles (April 1 to 4)
For the first time since 2006, Star Wars Celebration returns to Los Angeles, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Anthony Daniels, celebrating 50 years as C-3PO, and Ian McDiarmid are among the first guests announced. The event’s artwork pays tribute to Tom Jung’s classic poster for the original film, and a special 50th anniversary merchandise line will feature the gold anniversary logo.
New Books (April 6 and April 27)
- Star Wars: A Celebration by Pablo Hidalgo and Anthony Breznican (DK), a history of the franchise and its fandom
- Star Wars: A New Hope: The Complete Screenplay (Insight Editions), with full dialogue and scene photos
- Star Wars: Celebrating 50 Years of A New Hope by Kristin Baver (Abrams Books)
- Star Wars: A New Hope: Triple Take, a graphic novel telling the story through the eyes of Luke, Leia and Han (Mad Cave Studios)
- Star Wars: A New Hope 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Marvel), collecting the original 1977 comic adaptation, which famously hit shelves before the movie did
May 2027
Star Wars: Starfighter (May 28)
The anniversary weekend brings a brand new Star Wars movie to theaters. Directed by Shawn Levy, Star Wars: Starfighter stars Ryan Gosling as Kade Auberon in a standalone story set about five years after The Rise of Skywalker. The cast also includes Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre and Amy Adams. The film was shot with IMAX certified cameras, with IMAX 70mm prints planned for select theaters.
All Year: Hasbro’s 50th Anniversary Collection
Collectors, get ready. Hasbro’s Black Series will celebrate all year with golden, poster inspired packaging and retailer exclusive versions in classic Kenner style card designs.
The spring 2027 “Saga” wave includes one figure from each of the first six films:
- Queen Amidala (The Phantom Menace)
- Padawan Anakin Skywalker (Attack of the Clones)
- Galactic Marine (Revenge of the Sith)
- Luke Skywalker in X-wing pilot gear (A New Hope)
- IG-88 (The Empire Strikes Back)
- Tessek (Return of the Jedi)
A special 50th anniversary Stormtrooper is also on the way. Preorders begin this month.
What About the Disney Parks?
Nothing has been announced yet for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or for Disney+, but with a milestone this big, we’d be surprised if the parks didn’t join the celebration. We’ll update this guide as new events are announced.
Which 50th anniversary celebration are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!
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