Why The Force Awakens Deserves a Theatrical Re-Release

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It’s a long-standing custom, dating back to the beginning of the Star Wars franchise, to bring back the Star Wars films for a theatrical release. For instance, the first Star Wars movie was re-released in cinemas in August 1982, five years after its initial premiere, as a way to publicize the upcoming debut of Return of the Jedi in 1983. Since then, numerous theatrical re-releases have emphasized that the ideal setting for enjoying Star Wars is on the grandest screen available.

In April 2025, “Revenge of the Sith” made a significant comeback at the box office and by April 2027, the original “Star Wars” will celebrate its 50th anniversary re-release. This only emphasizes the strong presence of “Star Wars” in the realm of theatrical re-releases. Given this, Disney should consider allowing theatrical reissues for their Star Wars films from the Disney era, starting with “The Force Awakens”.

The Force Awakens‘ Anniversary Is Approaching

Star Wars theatrical rereleases often coincide with significant anniversary milestones. However, there are instances where this isn’t the case, like The Phantom Menace’s 2012 digital 3D release, which was prompted by a resurgence in 3D exhibition rather than a year that evenly divides by five. Generally speaking, the 1997 Star Wars reissue was linked to its 20th anniversary, and the various Star Wars rereleases in the 2020s (including Revenge of the Sith’s 2025 rerelease) were tied to similar anniversaries. Therefore, it seems logical that The Force Awakens should have a theatrical rerun in 2025 as well.

As we approach the 10th anniversary of its release on December 18, 2015, it’s hard to believe that “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was once just a dream – a film set after the continuity of “Return of the Jedi”. Now, this movie has been part of our cinematic landscape for over a decade, and that’s something worth celebrating.

This is particularly significant because it marks the first installment in the Disney era of the Star Wars franchise. Ten years have passed since Disney took control of these beloved big-screen characters, an achievement that deserves recognition with a special theatrical re-release. As a movie reviewer, I can’t help but marvel at this milestone and the impact it has had on the Star Wars saga.

While the later sequel trilogy films have sparked mixed reactions among fans, Star Wars: The Force Awakens has largely avoided such criticisms. Unlike its successors, it hasn’t been the subject of countless memes mocking its quality or frequently used as an example of poor screenwriting by YouTube commentators. Re-releasing The Force Awakens in theaters, even for a limited week like the 2025 reissue of Revenge of the Sith, would likely not provoke immediate controversy to the same extent.

All Eras of Star Wars Media Need to Be Big Theatrical Deals Again

Disney is figuring out how to promote its upcoming Star Wars films, including The Mandalorian & Grogu in May 2026, as a must-see cinema event following years of expensive live-action Star Wars content being available only on Disney+. The successful theatrical re-release of Revenge of the Sith, which sparked many audience members to cheer together during specific scenes, serves as a reminder of the joy shared in communal Star Wars theater experiences.

Re-releasing “The Force Awakens” in cinemas might serve as an excellent means to rekindle the appreciation for the grandeur of “Star Wars” on the big screen. Not only is pre-2010s “Star Wars” media deserving of a theatrical experience, but every era of Star Wars cinema should be recognized as worthy of such presentation. This way, any future movie in the saga (such as “The Mandalorian & Grogu”) will be perceived as equally essential. Moreover, replaying “The Force Awakens” on the big screen could stir memories of the delightful cinematic experiences people had a decade ago when this film first burst onto the pop culture scene at light-speed.

There are compelling reasons for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” to return to cinemas again. Given that it holds the record as the highest-grossing movie domestically, it’s a significant theatrical event that shouldn’t be absent from screens for too long or hesitant about reappearing for another fight to defend its title (much like “Avatar”). Streaming platforms such as Disney+ may not be the most suitable choice for watching a film that outshines all North American films financially. Particularly when it comes to a franchise known for frequently re-releasing its episodes in cinemas (with the exception of “Attack of the Clones”). By 2025, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” should have a theatrical re-release for its 10th anniversary, allowing it to harmonize with its fellow films on the silver screen.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is now streaming on Disney+.

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2025-08-04 18:11