Los Angeles—Two decades after its debut, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith is back in theaters, pulling crowds for a 20th-anniversary re-release announced by Lucasfilm on April 3. The film, which hit screens on May 19, 2005, remains a raw nerve in the Star Wars saga, its dark pulse drawing fans to relive Anakin Skywalker’s fall. This isn’t just a nostalgic cash grab; it’s a moment to reckon with a movie that dared to go grim when franchises played it safe.
Directed by George Lucas, Revenge of the Sith capped the prequel trilogy with a story that didn’t flinch. It follows Anakin, played by Hayden Christensen, spiraling into Darth Vader under the shadow of Emperor Palpatine, portrayed by Ian McDiarmid. The film earned a PG-13 rating—the first for Star Wars—after Lucas warned on May 10, empt to wrestle with his own creation, cramming in political intrigue, betrayal, and loss. It grossed $848 million worldwide, per Box Office Mojo, against a $113 million budget, making it a hit despite a polarized reception.
The re-release, kicking off April 25, comes with fresh buzz. Lucasfilm’s official site confirms special screenings nationwide, paired with exclusive posters for attendees. Theaters like AMC and Regal are banking on packed houses, with some venues offering marathon showings of the prequel trilogy. On April 16, the studio dropped a trailer highlighting iconic scenes: the Mustafar duel, Order 66, and Padmé Amidala’s heartbreak, played by Natalie Portman. The trailer racked up views, signaling fans haven’t forgotten the film’s gut-punch moments.
Back in 2005, the movie faced a gauntlet. Critics, per Rotten Tomatoes, gave it an 80% approval rating, praising its visuals and emotional weight but jabbing at clunky dialogue. The Cannes Film Festival premiered it on May 15, 2005, earning a standing ovation, though some reviewers scoffed at its operatic tone. Lucas, undeterred, called it his most personal Star Wars film in a May 2005 interview with Variety, saying he wanted to explore “how a good person becomes evil.” The film’s intensity—think clone troopers turning on Jedi or Anakin’s charred defeat—set it apart from the lighter original trilogy.
Today’s re-release taps into a shifted landscape. The prequels, once mocked, have found new love. Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012 and the sequel trilogy’s mixed reception have softened old gripes. On April 20, the official Star Wars website posted 20 “unforgettable quotes” from the film, like Obi-Wan Kenobi’s anguished “You were my brother, Anakin.” Fans flooded comment sections, proving the lines still sting.
The movie’s legacy isn’t just fan chatter. It shaped Star Wars’ expanded universe. The Clone Wars animated series, launched in 2008, built on its lore, and 2022’s Obi-Wan Kenobi show on Disney+ leaned heavily on its fallout. Lucasfilm’s April 24 announcement of new Revenge of the Sith-themed merchandise—lightsabers, Funko Pops, and a Black Series Anakin figure—shows the film’s grip on the brand.
Box office numbers for the re-release aren’t out yet, but early reports from theater chains suggest strong ticket sales. The film runs 140 minutes, with select theaters offering IMAX showings. Tickets start at $10, per Fandango, with discounts for kids under 12.