Credit: LucasfilmSince Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) was released in theaters nearly 50 years ago, the franchise has become an entertainment juggernaut, expanding into film, television, animation, gaming, books, comics, theme parks, and much more.
Now, with the original film and the wider Star Wars franchise preparing for its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2027, Lucasfilm has announced several new projects, and some mean revisiting the story that started it all.
Star Wars Is Turning 50 Years Old
For starters, the original film, A New Hope (1977), is getting its first-ever official Welsh-language dub titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd.
The new version features Welsh actors including Matthew Rhys as Han Solo, Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia. It will premiere on S4C and its streaming services from Christmas Day 2026.
Then, in February 2027, an official new walkthrough attraction titled Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Through the Galaxy will open at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
The exhibition will celebrate 50 years of Star Wars with more than 70 artifacts, including screen-used costumes, props, creatures, and droids, before embarking on a five-year North American tour.
There’s also Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles, the first official comic book crossover between the two titular franchises.
Written by Kevin Smith, the five-issue series will see Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Chewbacca team up with Marvel superheroes including Spider-Man and the Avengers as they face the likes of Darth Vader and Doctor Doom. The first issue arrives in January 2027.
And now, Lucasfilm is giving A New Hope yet another major makeover.
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Revealed during the Lucasfilm Publishing Panel at this year’s SDCC, Star Wars: A New Hope – Triple Take is a new graphic novel from Mad Cave Studios, written by Kim Shearer and Chas! Pangburn.
The story retells the events of the 1977 film through the perspectives of Luke, Han, and Leia, with “three distinct visual storytelling styles reflect each character’s personality, memory, and version of the truth.”
Per Simon & Schuster:
“Sibling writers and Star Wars newcomers Chas! Pangburn and Kim Shearer (Double Booking) pen a fun-filled, multi-perspective retelling that reimagines the events of Star Wars: A New Hope through the eyes of the Rebellion’s most notable heroes: Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker!
Luke remembers a larger-than-life mythic journey of destiny and courage, Leia recalls the dangerous reality of rebellion against the Empire, and Han? Han mostly remembers how incredibly heroic he was. See the iconic story as you’ve never seen it before, from Darth Vader’s terrifying first appearance to the denizens of the Mos Eisley Cantina to the destruction of the Death Star! Fans are in for a visual treat as a quartet of artists bring each character’s account to life.”
Lucasfilm initially announced the graphic novel for February 2027; however, the current publisher listing gives it an April 27, 2027 release date.
Half a century later, Lucasfilm is suddenly finding ways to retell the events of the original Star Wars story. With new comics, dubs, and exhibitions, the words “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away” will no longer be limited to just one version of that original adventure.
Which upcoming Star Wars 50th anniversary project are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below!
