The BFI Film Festival held in London from June 12th to the 15th showcased a notable event: a special screening of the original cinema release of “Star Wars: A New Hope”. Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, graced the occasion with her presence, not only to introduce the film that kicked off the festival but also to alleviate any concerns among the audience about it being an unauthorized screening. She addressed the ongoing debate and misunderstanding within Lucasfilm regarding the original cinema version of George Lucas’ 1977 classic, emphasizing its scarcity.
At the BFI Film on Film Festival, where movie and TV creators are increasingly using digital technology, the focus is on the traditional celluloid films themselves. Each title screened at this event, such as A New Hope, is projected from a physical print instead of the digital drives commonly used by cinemas and distributors today. As Kennedy stated, festival-goers had a unique chance to watch what she confirmed was the only surviving print of the 1977 film. She emphasized that there might not be another one quite like it.
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Kathleen Kennedy Addresses the “Folklore” Surrounding the Star Wars Theatrical Cut
Despite Kennedy’s leadership at Lucasfilm spanning more than a decade, she admitted that there was ongoing debate and uncertainty within the company about which version of “A New Hope” represented the true original theatrical cut. She revealed that discussions were continuous regarding the film’s initial placement and authenticity. It wasn’t until nearly three decades later that this edition of “Star Wars” became accessible to the public, only being made available more recently through select home media releases. Not surprisingly, this limited availability has been a contentious issue among fans longing for the original version of “Star Wars” they initially cherished, as Lucas’ subsequent changes in the special editions altered their beloved films.
Kennedy stated, “Throughout the years, there’s been a lot of adjustments made, with George altering certain aspects and experimenting with different ideas in other parts. However, this has led to some confusion about the original concept.” While it’s understandable for a filmmaker to revise their work, given the immense popularity and recognition of the classic Star Wars trilogy, it’s also predictable that fans would have firm opinions regarding their preferred versions.
For those enthusiasts who love Star Wars, Kathleen Kennedy wants to clarify that the BFI showing of the original version is not breaking any laws.
— Jacob Stolworthy (@JacobStolworthy) June 12, 2025
In March 2025, the Cinema Box app on Roku offered a brief streaming opportunity for the theatrical cut of “A New Hope.” The screening of the original “Star Wars” at the BFI may hint that Disney and Lucasfilm might make the theatrical versions of the films more accessible. However, it remains uncertain if or when this will occur. For now, those attending the BFI “Star Wars” screening can enjoy the unique experience of viewing what might be the sole remaining print of the original film’s version.
The original Star Wars trilogy is available to stream now on Disney+.
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2025-06-15 16:09