Kathleen Kennedy: Original 1977 'Star Wars' Cut Legal to Watch

The British Film Institute recently showcased the first theatrical print of the original Star Wars (Episode IV: A New Hope), with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy assuring attendees this historic screening wasn't unauthorized.

As reported by GamesRadar, Kennedy humorously addressed the audience before the June 12 screening at London's BFI Film on Film Festival: "I'm here to... confirm this isn't an illegal showing."

Regarding the rare print, Kennedy remarked: "This represents incredible cinematic history. Even after I joined Lucasfilm, we had ongoing discussions about locating original materials. What you're seeing today is genuinely the first print - so rare we're unsure another like it exists. Through the years, George [Lucas] made numerous alterations, making the original version increasingly difficult to track."

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 marked the first public screening of this 1977 print since 1978, though the original cut had previously been available on VHS. The Telegraph noted the reels were preserved at -5°C (23°F) to maintain optimal quality.

"We're presenting the film exactly as 1977 audiences experienced it," explained BFI programmers.

"This screening uses one of the few surviving dye-transfer IB Technicolor prints from the original UK release, preserved in the BFI National Archive. While showing expected archive wear, its colors remain magnificently vibrant - a truly singular opportunity."

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Notably, Lucas has historically resisted re-releasing the original version, having modified it soon after initial release - changes that ultimately evolved into the 1997 Special Edition, which became the default version for subsequent home releases.