- Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy introduced a rare screening of the first cut of Star Wars: A New Hope at the BFI Southbank, reassuring fans it was officially sanctioned despite George Lucas's preference for later edits.
- The original 1977 version is extremely rare, lacking the Episode IV: A New Hope subtitle and featuring a different cut of the Mos Eisley cantina scene where Han Solo shoots Greedo first, a change Lucas later altered.
- BFI Chief Executive Ben Roberts contacted Kennedy about screening the print found in their archives, unsure if it could be shown due to Lucas's revisions; Kennedy expressed surprise at the print's existence, calling it "remarkable."
- Kennedy emphasised the original film's importance as the "gold standard" for new Star Wars projects, influencing story discussions and George Lucas's original intent.
- Kennedy mentioned the upcoming Starfighter film starring Ryan Gosling, set to begin shooting in September, and highlighted how series like Andor have broadened the possibilities for future Star Wars stories.
IN FULL
Star Wars boss calms fan concern at screening of original cut disliked by George Lucas
