The timing could not have been more perfect for sci-fi fans who enjoy a good rivalry. Disney and Lucasfilm chose September 8, 2026, to announce that the original Star Wars movie will finally arrive in IMAX theaters for the first time ever. The only catch? That date also happens to be the 60th anniversary of Star Trek.
William Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek series, noticed the coincidence and did not hold back. The 95-year-old actor took to X (formerly Twitter) with a playful jab at the Star Wars franchise.
“Anyone else find it odd that IMAX chose today to announce this?”
In another post, Shatner continued his light-hearted trolling:
“Not to EVER be accused of trolling such ahem…’wonderful’ franchise on my franchise’s birthday but help me to understand. So you are saying this next iteration film is so big that it won’t play in most theaters around the world? I’m ok with that.”
Star Wars Makes IMAX History After 50 Years
Lucasfilm and Disney made the official announcement on September 8, revealing that the 1977 original Star Wars: A New Hope will receive its first-ever IMAX release. The film originally played in 70mm during its first run, but never in the modern IMAX format.
The re-release is scheduled for February 19, 2027, as part of the franchise’s 50th anniversary celebration. Alongside the classic film, the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, will also debut in IMAX on May 28, 2027.
The new Starfighter movie was shot with IMAX-certified film cameras and converted to IMAX 70mm film prints. Select theaters will receive 70mm film prints for both releases.
Star Trek Celebrates 60 Years with Documentary and Events
While Star Wars took the spotlight with its IMAX announcement, Star Trek’s 60th anniversary did not go unnoticed. Paramount and the Trek franchise have been celebrating the milestone with various events throughout 2026.
A documentary titled The Sixty-Year Mission: How Star Trek Changed Television and the World is set to debut in Regal Cinemas across the United States on October 9, 2026. William Shatner serves as an executive producer on the project and appears in interviews alongside George Takei (Lt. Sulu) and Walter Koenig (Ensign Chekov).
The documentary explores the origins of the original Star Trek TV series and features interviews with cast members, writers, directors, producers, and celebrity fans. Some screenings will include Q&A sessions with Star Trek talent.
Shatner’s History of Playful Star Wars Banter
This is not the first time Shatner has taken a humorous swing at the rival franchise. The actor is known for his light-hearted social media exchanges about the long-standing sci-fi rivalry.
While Shatner has previously acknowledged that Star Trek explores humanity and relationships in a way that makes it special, he has also credited Star Wars with helping bring attention back to his franchise in the media. In one interview, he jokingly suggested an imaginary elopement between Captain Kirk and Princess Leia as a way to end the Star Wars versus Star Trek debate once and for all.
Fans have speculated that Shatner’s X account is managed by his assistant and business partner, Paul Camuso. Regardless of who presses the send button, the posts consistently deliver the kind of witty commentary fans have come to expect from the legendary actor.
What the IMAX Releases Mean for Fans
The original Star Wars: A New Hope hitting IMAX screens marks a significant moment for cinema lovers. The 1977 film changed movie history, and experiencing it on an enormous IMAX screen with 70mm film prints will be a first for generations of fans.
For Star Trek supporters, the timing of the announcement felt like an intentional move. Many Trekkies pointed out the date coincidence on social media, with some expressing frustration that the Star Wars news overshadowed the 60th anniversary celebrations.
The Star Wars: Starfighter release will follow three months after the original film’s IMAX debut. Both movies are part of Lucasfilm’s strategy to bring the franchise to premium formats as it approaches its 50th year.
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