When Star Wars first arrived in theaters in 1977, it was simply called Star Wars. But that changed when George Lucas’ original movie was retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope for the April 10, 1981 theatrical re-release, giving it a subtitle and an episode number.Now, almost 50 years on, Lucasfilm is officially bringing a newly restored version of the 1977 film to movie theaters while restoring its original name for the occasion.Credit: LucasfilmRelated: ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ Gets Official Extended Version for 50th Anniversary, Lucasfilm ConfirmsAs part of the franchise’s upcoming 50th-anniversary celebrations, a newly restored version of Star Wars (1977) will arrive in theaters worldwide on February 19, 2027.“On February 19, be among the first to watch a restored version of the original Star Wars (1977) in theaters on thousands of screens globally,” StarWars.com writes.Now, Lucasfilm has unveiled a new poster by artist Matt Ferguson, which features Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) front and center. And there’s a notable detail: it only carries the original Star Wars title, rather than the longer name audiences have become accustomed to, meaning the film will be marketed and presented under its original title.The poster pays homage to the original artwork from 1977, while the theatrical presentation will include a special anniversary logo accompanied by a newly orchestrated score from legendary composer John Williams, both of which have already been revealed in an official teaser below:The restored film will screen in a variety of formats, including IMAX 70mm, Digital IMAX, 4DX, and D-BOX, across thousands of screens globally.It’s a fitting way to celebrate the movie that introduced audiences to Luke, Han, and Leia, and changed the entertainment industry forever.Credit: LucasfilmThe Franchise’s 50th Anniversary Brings New Projects and ExperiencesThe theatrical return is just one part of a year-long celebration planned by Lucasfilm and Disney.Fans will also be able to revisit the original film through several new publishing projects, including Star Wars: A New Hope – Triple Take, a graphic novel retelling the story from Luke, Leia, and Han’s perspectives; Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles, a six-issue crossover written by Kevin Smith; and Star Wars: A New Hope – The Complete Manga, collecting Hisao Tamaki’s four-volume adaptation.There will also be an official Welsh-language version of the original film, Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, featuring Matthew Rhys (Han Solo), Rhys Ifans (Obi-Wan Kenobi), and Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Princess Leia). It will premiere on S4C and its streaming platforms on Christmas Day 2026.Credit: LucasfilmThe celebrations will also include Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Through the Galaxy, an exhibition opening at Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute on February 13, 2027, before embarking on a five-year North American tour.Next year will also see the release of Star Wars: Starfighter (2027) on May 28. Directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine), the film stars Ryan Gosling (Barbie) as Kade Auberon, 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,” according to StarWars.com.Meanwhile, Ahsoka (2023) will return to Disney+ with its long-awaited second season, premiering on January 20, while a second season of Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord (2026) is also in development.Credit: LucasfilmStar Wars Celebration and Concerts Set for 2027The anniversary will bring plenty of events for fans, too.Star Wars Celebration heads to the Los Angeles Convention Center from April 1–4, 2027, with panels, exhibitors, exclusive merchandise, and special guests.Disney Concerts will stage Star Wars in Concert: The Skywalker Saga at the Hollywood Bowl during the first weekend of April, with Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) hosting performances featuring music and scenes from all nine Skywalker Saga films.UK fans will also get two major events: Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert, touring Sheffield, Birmingham, and Glasgow in March, and Star Wars Weekender at London’s Royal Albert Hall from April 29 to May 2, featuring screenings of the original trilogy accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra.Last but not least, on May 4, also known as Star Wars Day, Lucasfilm will release The Hero Awakens, a new documentary from filmmaker R.J. Cutler, exclusively on Disney+. The film will explore the making of the original Star Wars, featuring archival footage and audio captured during and around production in 1977.With the original theatrical version returning to cinemas, a poster bearing its original title, and a packed calendar of anniversary events dedicated to the 1977 film, Lucasfilm is taking fans right back to where the galaxy far, far away began.Will you be watching Star Wars when it returns to theaters? Let us know in the comments!The post Lucasfilm Officially Restores First ‘Star Wars’ Movie’s Original Title appeared first on Inside the Magic.