Return of the Jedi Returns To Theaters For 40th Anniversary

Just in time for the film’s 40th anniversary, fans of the original Episode VI of The Skywalker Saga of Star Wars, Return of the Jedi, will soon get the chance to see the film as it was meant to be shown, on the big screen. The original conclusion to the original Star Wars theatrical trilogy is returning to theaters starting later this month.

Lucasfilm announced the news to fans in attendance at Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 in London.

RETURN OF THE JEDI RETURNS TO THEATERS LATER THIS MONTH

On April 28, Return of the Jedi will be returning to select theatres in the United States, United Kingdom, and other regions for a limited release. This will allow a whole new generation of fans to experience the full theatrical version of the iconic sequel. This will be similar to the 40th-anniversary screenings of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back that were held for that film’s 40th anniversary back in 2020. RELATED: MARK HAMILL WANTED LUKE TO JOIN THE DARK SIDE IN RETURN OF THE JEDI

Also, artist Matt Ferguson created a new commemorative poster for Return of the Jedi similar to the 40th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back. You can check out Ferguson’s newly created poster as revealed by Lucasfilm below:

Speaking on his new poster artwork for the Star Wars website, Ferguson commented, “I’m so happy and grateful to get to work on these movies again, even more so to be given the freedom to continue what I started with Empire.” He continued, “For that poster, a cold mechanical vibe completely takes over the whole composition. But Return of the Jedi is very much the triumph of Luke and the Rebels, so I wanted to have more of the warmer colors coming back into the art, hence pivoting to green with red accents.”

For his new poster, Ferguson opted to focus on Luke Skywalker and his father, Darth Vader, in full view, as they are two of the film’s most resonant and important figures. Ferguson added on the art piece, “The artwork should tell a story, so for me, it only made sense to give over the composition to those two characters. Will Luke be turned? Is Vader going to overcome the darkness? It’s all about the pull between good and evil.”

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The US screenings for the film’s re-release will run from April 28-May 4. In the UK, the screenings are scheduled from April 28-May 1. Fans should stay tuned to the official Star Wars website for updates and more regions and details for the theatrical re-release.

Fans don’t have to stop with just the film either. To commemorate the film’s 40th anniversary, Hasbro also recently re-released Star Wars: The Retro Collection figures based on the original Star Wars Kenner action figures released for the film in 1983. These Retro Collection figures are based on the original molds for the Kenner figure releases from 40 years ago. They include Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker, Emperor Palpatine, Endor Han Solo, Princess Leia in her Boushh disguise, Lando Calrissian in his skiff guard disguise, and the Biker Scout. They are available now on Hasbro Pulse.

In just a little over two weeks, Return of the Jedi makes its glorious homecoming to theaters, and fans will be able to experience it again, and some will get the chance to experience it for the first time the way it was meant to be shown.

What do you think of the news? Do you plan on checking out Return of the Jedi when it returns to theaters later this month? What’s your favorite Star Wars movie, or the favorite one you’ve seen in theaters? Let us know what you think about the news on The Illuminerdi Twitter account.

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SOURCE: Lucasfilm