Kathleen Kennedy Says 1977 Star Wars Cut Legal to Screen

The British Film Institute recently showcased the original 35mm print of Star Wars (Episode IV: A New Hope), with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy personally assuring attendees they weren't witnessing an illegal screening. During her introduction at the BFI Film on Film Festival in London on June 12, Kennedy humorously remarked: "I'm here to confirm this isn't a pirate screening."

She elaborated on the historical significance of the print: "This represents extraordinary cinematic folklore. When I joined Lucasfilm, there were endless debates about archival materials - especially regarding which print truly came first. What you're about to see is indeed that first print, possibly the only surviving copy of its kind. After decades of George Lucas' revisions and alterations, we'd nearly lost track of the original version."

Star Wars fans, Kathleen Kennedy wants to assure you the BFI screening of the original cut is not illegal pic.twitter.com/0a1Pa6FXDI

— Jacob Stolworthy (@JacobStolworthy) June 12, 2025

This exclusive screening marked the first public showing of the 1977 theatrical print since 1978, though this version had previously seen limited VHS releases. As reported by The Telegraph in April, the film reels had been carefully preserved at -5°C (23°F) to maintain optimal quality.

BFI programmers emphasized the authenticity of the presentation: "We're screening the film exactly as 1977 audiences first experienced it," noting they used one of the rare dye-transfer IB Technicolor prints from the initial UK release. "While showing signs of its age, this archival print retains remarkably vivid, unfaded colors - making it truly irreplaceable."

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Notably, Lucas has historically resisted making the original theatrical version widely available, having first modified it shortly after release - alterations that eventually evolved into the 1997 Special Edition. This revised version has remained the standard presentation for decades.