'Star Wars' goes big for 50th anniversary

'A New Hope' to debut in Imax 70mm in 2027

A galaxy far, far away is set to get a spectacular new look as the original 'Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope' heads to Imax 70mm screens for the first time, marking a major milestone ahead of the franchise's 50th anniversary.

The 1977 space epic will receive an Imax 70mm re-release on Feb 19, 2027, giving audiences their first opportunity to see the original 'Star Wars' film in the large-format presentation. The anniversary screening will also be available on digital Imax screens.

The re-release will arrive alongside 'Star Wars: Starfighter', the upcoming Ryan Gosling-led film directed by Shawn Levy. 'Starfighter' is scheduled to reach cinemas on May 28, 2027 - exactly 50 years after the original 'Star Wars' made its theatrical debut.

Gosling stars as Kade Auberon, described as a hotshot space pilot, in a story that follows a cynical rogue whose mysterious past pulls him into a dangerous adventure across the galaxy and puts him on a collision course with destiny.

The cast also features Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, Flynn Gray and Amy Adams. The film is written by Jonathan Tropper, with Levy and Kathleen Kennedy producing. Gosling, Dan Levine, Mary McLaglen and Josh McLaglen serve as executive producers.

The Imax 70mm format has gained renewed popularity this year, driven largely by Christopher Nolan's epic 'The Odyssey'. Though available at only a limited number of cinemas worldwide, Imax 70mm venues have generated $78 million in global box office this year, with an average of $1.9 million per screen.

'The Odyssey' has extended its Imax 70mm run through September for an 11-week theatrical engagement. The film has also become Imax's highest-grossing release, surpassing $450 million globally, while its overall box office has topped $1.6 billion.