It’s ‘Remarkable’ the ‘First Print’ of George Lucas’ 1977 Original Was Found and Screened After Decades
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy made surprise appearance on opening night of the BFI Film on Film Fest in London, where the ultra-rare, original first print of George Lucas‘ Star Wars was screened.
The BFI’s shocking discovery of the print and the announcement that it would be screened publicly caused a stir among “Star Wars” fans earlier this year, as Lucas has always been vocal about his dislike of the print and famously went on to tinker with the movie.
Lucas has always defended his right to tinker with the original cut of “Star Wars,” notably once telling the AP about the first print: “I’m sorry you saw half a completed film and fell in love with it, but I want it to be the way I want it to be.” As a result, some “Star Wars” fans were uneasy about the original print’s discovery.
Kennedy told the crowd at the BFI Film on Film Festival that she was in attendance in order to “legitimize” the original print being shown amid concern from “Star Wars” fans that it would not be what Lucas wanted. BFI chief executive Ben Roberts said it was a “miracle” the print was in good enough condition to screen publicly.
