It was announced last year that LucasFilms would be bringing Star Wars in 3D to theaters nationwide and the films would be released in order of the Star Wars storyline once a year. However, we were never given an official release date for Episode II. Now comes word straight from LucasFilm that both Episodes II and III will be released back to back next fall. Episode II will be released on September 20th 2013, and Episode III will be released less than a month later on October 11th, 2013.

The reasoning behind the move is unknown, but if I had to guess as to why they are putting the films in theaters so close to each other is to get the original trilogy in theaters quicker. We all know that the original Star Wars Trilogy is very beloved throughout the world. And to put those classic films back on the big screen in 3D would bring major bank to LucasFilm. The ‘trench run’ from Episode IV is worth the price of admission on it’s own. The original trilogy has not been in theaters since it was visually updated the 1990’s with the release of Star Wars:Special Edition.

The Phantom Menace performed very well at the box office, bringing in roughly $103 million worldwide. I know there are a lot of fans out there who despise the re-re-re-release of the Star Wars films, especially since they started updating them with new graphics and sequences. But to expose these films to a new audience of youngsters is all part of the plan of keeping Star Wars relevant and meaningful in today’s culture. Being a big Star Wars fan, I personally will be waiting in line for both films the day they are released… again. “Red five standing by.”

Are You Going To See Episodes II And III Next Fall?

 

Follow Josh on Twitter: @JWingface