Lucasfilm's new Disney+ documentary, The Hero Awakens, is built entirely from archival footage of the 1977 shoot. The first anniversary deadline is Friday, when Hasbro opens preorders for Kenner-style retro figures.
Lucasfilm and Disney laid out the first big pieces of Star Wars' 50th birthday on Thursday, Nov. 12, and the first deadline is tomorrow.
StarWars.com announced a new documentary, new poster art and a batch of anniversary merch, all leading up to the original Star Wars (1977) returning to theaters on Friday, Feb. 19, 2027. Hasbro preorders for a new retro figure line open Friday, Nov. 13.
The rerelease is "a restored version of the original Star Wars (1977)," StarWars.com said, on thousands of screens worldwide. Formats include IMAX 70mm, Digital IMAX, 4DX and D-BOX. Lucasfilm first announced the rerelease in December 2025, and IMAX confirmed in September that the movie is headed to its screens.
Before the movie starts, audiences will see a new celebratory 50th anniversary logo featuring "a newly orchestrated score by John Williams." The composer turns 95 in February and is still writing Star Wars music. Respect.
Lucasfilm co-president Lynwen Brennan called it "incredibly special" to return "the original version of Star Wars to theaters."
What is The Hero Awakens documentary?
It's a feature documentary from director R.J. Cutler about making the first Star Wars movie. It streams on Disney+ on Tuesday, May 4, 2027, which is Star Wars Day, of course.
The twist is how it's made. StarWars.com said the film is "entirely assembled from archival material dating back to the original production." That includes footage and interviews that haven't been seen or heard before, and it follows the shoot's problems and wins as they happened.
Lucasfilm, Cutler, This Machine (part of Sony Pictures Television) and Kennedy Marshall are producing.
When does Star Wars come back to theaters?
Friday, Feb. 19, 2027. That's 99 days from Thursday, for anyone keeping a countdown. Tickets aren't on sale yet. StarWars.com said venue and ticket details are coming.
The rerelease also gets a new poster by artist Matt Ferguson, which StarWars.com said "pays homage to the original poster art created in 1977."
Planning a family outing? Here's what to know:
Rating: A New Hope is rated PG.
Run time: About two hours, before the new logo intro.
Formats: 4DX and D-BOX seats move with the action. Standard or IMAX is the calmer pick for younger kids.
Price: Rerelease ticket prices haven't been announced.
What Star Wars 50th anniversary merch is coming?
StarWars.com named several drops and partners:
Hasbro Retro line: New 3.75-inch figures sculpted to look like the original Kenner toys from the late 1970s. They're exclusive to Target in spring 2027, and preorders open Nov. 13 at hasbro.com and select retailers.
Hasbro Retro lineup: Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, Ben Kenobi and Darth Vader, plus two 2-packs and a C-3PO, R2-D2 and Death Squad Commander set with a cardboard display. Prices weren't listed.
LEGO: Seven new 50th anniversary sets on Jan. 1, 2027, with exclusive minifigures based on Ralph McQuarrie's concept art.
Brand collabs: Aston Martin is an official partner for the year. Mars and adidas are back, and Steinway is new. Yes, the piano company.
What's coming to Disney parks for Star Wars' 50th?
Disney isn't saying yet. StarWars.com promised "reimagined Disney Parks and Cruise Line offerings" and stopped there. No park, ship, ride or date was named.
BlogMickey noted that Galaxy's Edge at Hollywood Studios is still set in the sequel era, while Disneyland's version added classic characters like Luke, Leia, Han and Darth Vader in April. A celebration built around the 1977 film could change Florida's plans, BlogMickey speculated. Disney hasn't confirmed that.
StarWars.com said more project announcements start in January, so park news could come then.
What are the key Star Wars 50th anniversary dates?
Nov. 13, 2026: Hasbro Retro preorders open
Jan. 1, 2027: Seven LEGO Star Wars 50th sets go on sale
Feb. 13: Star Wars: The Experience opens at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia (tickets on sale now)
Feb. 19: Star Wars (1977) returns to theaters
March: A Cosm Shared Reality version debuts in select U.S. cities
April 1 to 4: Star Wars Celebration in Los Angeles (sold out)
First weekend of April: Star Wars in Concert: The Skywalker Saga at the Hollywood Bowl, hosted by Anthony Daniels
May 4: The Hero Awakens streams on Disney+
May 25: The original movie's 50th birthday
May 28: Star Wars: Starfighter opens in theaters
The Hollywood Bowl concert is a full-circle moment, too. StarWars.com said the venue hosted the first official Star Wars concert in November 1977.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
StarWars.com (Nov. 12, 2026), the 50th anniversary plan, Brennan quote, logo and John Williams score, Hasbro, LEGO, partner brands, parks language and key dates
StarWars.com (Nov. 12, 2026), The Hero Awakens documentary details
StarWars.com (Dec. 5, 2025), the original rerelease announcement and ticket timing
BlogMickey (Nov. 12, 2026), Galaxy's Edge context and parks analysis
Attractions Magazine (Nov. 12, 2026), rerelease formats
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