Kathleen Kennedy Says 1977 Star Wars Original Cut Isn’t ‘Illegal’

Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy confirmed that the screening of the original print of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is legal and historic. The rare film print was shown at the BFI Film on Film Festival, marking its first public screening since 1978. During her introduction, Kennedy emphasized the rarity of this print, which has undergone significant changes over the years, much to the confusion of fans. Stored under optimal conditions to maintain quality, this original version offers audiences a chance to experience the film as viewers did in 1977. The British Film Institute highlighted the film's preserved colors and iconic status, making the screening unmissable for Star Wars enthusiasts.

Yes, the screening of the original cut of Star Wars: A New Hope is legal, as confirmed by Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy during the event.

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, released in 1977, is a seminal film in the science fiction genre, introducing iconic characters and groundbreaking visual effects. The film cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon, spawning sequels, prequels, and an expansive universe of novels, comics, and games. George Lucas’s ongoing adjustments to the film over the decades have created a complex history surrounding its various versions, with many fans yearning for a chance to see the original cut in theaters. The 1997 Special Edition release was made more widely available, resulting in a continuing appreciation for the original version that was recently showcased at this festival.