“Star Wars” 50th anniversary guide: What fans can see, do and collect
The original “Star Wars” arrived in theaters May 25, 1977, introducing audiences to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo and a galaxy that would continue expanding for decades.
Lucasfilm will celebrate the movie’s 50th anniversary throughout 2027 with theatrical releases, exhibitions, new stories and special merchandise.
It’s been fifty years since audiences first learned the ways of the Force. And it feels like anything “Star Wars” related has had one incredible lucky streak since then.
But as Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi said, “In my experience, there’s no such thing as luck.”
In that spirit, we recognize the magic of the original “Star Wars” movie. Get ready for a wide variety of ways to mark the 50th year of this “space fantasy” that has inspired generations.
Ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Star Wars”
Here are the confirmed ways to participate, with more announcements expected as the anniversary approaches.
See the original “Star Wars” in theaters
A newly restored version of the original 1977 theatrical release of “Star Wars,” later renamed “Star Wars: A New Hope,” will launch into theaters Feb. 19, 2027.
The movie will return to theaters for a limited time as part of Lucasfilm’s yearlong anniversary celebration. Theater locations and possible concession collectibles have not been announced.
Listen to the original trilogy in a new way
The novelizations of the original “Star Wars” trilogy will be released as unabridged audiobooks for the first time Feb. 2, 2027. Marc Thompson narrates the new editions.
Additional anniversary publishing projects include DK’s “Star Wars: A Celebration” and “Star Wars: A New Hope — Triple Take,” a graphic novel planned for February 2027.
Speaking of the original trilogy, watch our video below to witness the first time the original trilogy arrived at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland.
Watch “Ahsoka” Season 2 on Disney+
“Ahsoka” Season 2 premieres Jan. 20, 2027, on Disney+. The series returns one month before the original movie’s theatrical rerelease, and Lucasfilm has described the season as a fitting tribute during the anniversary year.
Rosario Dawson returns as Ahsoka Tano alongside Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger and Lars Mikkelsen as Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Read the first Star Wars and Marvel crossover
The Star Wars and Marvel universes will meet in an official crossover for the first time in “Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles.”
The five-part comic series begins in January 2027. Written by Kevin Smith with artwork by David Marquez, the story brings Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca and Darth Vader into Marvel’s Earth-616 universe.
See “Star Wars: Starfighter” during the anniversary weekend
A new theatrical adventure arrives almost exactly 50 years after the original movie.
“Star Wars: Starfighter” opens May 28, 2027, three days after the May 25 anniversary. Directed by Shawn Levy, the movie stars Ryan Gosling, Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings and Amy Adams.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
Visit “Star Wars: The Experience” in Philadelphia
“Star Wars: The Experience — A Journey Through the Galaxy” opens Feb. 13, 2027, at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
The 18,000-square-foot exhibition will contain more than 70 artifacts from Lucasfilm, including Darth Vader’s armor, Darth Maul’s lightsaber hilt, Grogu, R2-D2 and C-3PO. Immersive galleries will explore the costumes, sound, visual effects and other creative work behind the franchise.
The Philadelphia engagement continues through Sept. 6, 2027, before the exhibition begins a five-year North American tour.
Collect official 50th-anniversary merchandise
The first official anniversary collection has been revealed for Star Wars Celebration Los Angeles. Items feature a gold 50th-anniversary design and include commemorative pins, patches, magnets, hats, shirts, jerseys, jackets, bags and artwork.
No 50th-anniversary popcorn bucket or sipper has been announced. Disney Parks has also not revealed anniversary plans, and dedicated collections from Lego, Hasbro, Funko and other licensees remain unconfirmed.
Additional screenings, theme-park offerings and collectibles are expected to be revealed ahead of 2027. This guide will be updated as Lucasfilm and its partners announce more ways to celebrate 50 years of “Star Wars.”
The “Star Wars” galaxy has grown far beyond that first film, but its 50th anniversary is the perfect time to revisit the adventure that started it all.
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