Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm, recently presented a special screening of the original 1977 version of Star Wars. George Lucas, the creator of the series, is known for his continuous revisions to the films, particularly with the Star Wars Special Editions. However, fans were thrilled when the original “first print” of the first Star Wars film was showcased at the BFI Film on Film Festival in the U.K.
The screening was personally introduced by Kathleen Kennedy, who stated:
“I’m here to assure you that this screening is authorized, so please don’t think it’s unauthorized… [This print has a mythical status.] I must mention that ever since I joined the company, there has been ongoing speculation about the whereabouts of the original print. It’s truly astonishing. What you are about to watch is indeed the original print, and I believe there’s nothing else quite like it. It’s that rare.”
There has been so much modification over the years, decisions George [Lucas] made, ‘Nope’… and then it seems everyone forgot what the original was.”
Why The Original “Star Wars” Print Is Exceptional
A Landmark Event In Star Wars Legacy
This marks a pivotal moment in Star Wars lore. Kennedy highlighted that George Lucas extensively altered the initial Star Wars film over time, including renaming it to “A New Hope” and designating it as “Episode IV” just before the release of The Empire Strikes Back. He adjusted the narrative to ensure that the version he preferred was the one available to audiences, and we had assumed that the original print no longer existed.
Amazingly, the BFI Archives held the original 1977 print of the first Star Wars film. When they contacted Lucasfilm, the company supported the idea of this screening. Those who attended had the unique opportunity to see Star Wars in its original, unaltered form. The historical significance of this event cannot be overstated.
Our Insights on “A New Hope’s” Original Release
A Dream Come True for Every Star Wars Enthusiast
Having grown up before the Special Editions were released, I always found certain details in those versions to feel slightly off, as they didn’t align with my earliest memories of the film. Yet, even I had never seen anything like this original print, which predates the renaming of Star Wars to A New Hope. I’m admittedly jealous of the lucky BFI members who witnessed this.
It’s astounding that the first print still exists, opening up a possibility I had never considered feasible before. Could Lucasfilm possibly release this version of Star Wars? It seems unlikely, especially since Lucas himself might not approve, leading Lucasfilm to possibly opt against it. But, one can still hope.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
