Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, made an unexpected appearance at the opening night of the BFI Film on Film Festival in London, where the original, ultra-rare first print of George Lucas’ “Star Wars” was screened. This event created excitement among “Star Wars” fans, particularly after the BFI’s earlier announcement highlighting the discovery of the print, which Lucas has historically criticized for not representing his complete vision of the film.
The first print, released in 1977, notably lacks the subtitle “Episode IV: A New Hope” in the iconic opening crawl. It also features a pivotal moment in the Mos Eisley cantina scene in which Han Solo shoots the bounty hunter Greedo first—contrary to later edits made by Lucas where Greedo shoots first, shifting the narrative significantly. This change gave rise to the famed phrase within the fandom: “Han shot first.”
During her speech at the festival, Kennedy expressed her intention to lend credibility to the screening of the print, amid apprehensions among fans about whether it would align with Lucas’ original vision. She acknowledged the print’s rarity, calling its preservation a “miracle,” and emphasized its importance to “Star Wars” lore. Kennedy remarked, “It’s incredible folklore,” highlighting the lengthy discussions within Lucasfilm regarding the original print’s existence and its significance within the franchise.
Kennedy also noted that any new filmmakers working on “Star Wars” projects are introduced to the 1977 film as the quintessential guide for storytelling. She emphasized the film’s fundamental role in shaping narrative development for future projects, indicating that it continues to serve as a benchmark for new stories within the franchise.
As the franchise recently enjoyed the success of the critically acclaimed second season of “Andor” on Disney+, Kennedy indicated that they look forward to a variety of storytelling possibilities. She mentioned the upcoming movie “Starfighter,” directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, and shared her belief that the franchise is now poised for more standalone stories that can enrich the broader “Star Wars” universe.
This celebration of the original print not only showcases the rich history of “Star Wars” but also signals a positive evolution in the franchise, where new narratives can emerge without being constrained by past storylines. The enthusiasm from both the filmmakers and fans underscores a shared commitment to honoring the legacy of “Star Wars” while pushing its boundaries into new territories.