Box Office Resurrection: Revenge of the Sith's Stunning Return
They say lightning never strikes the same place twice—but then again, they've never met George Lucas fans.
Last Thursday night, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith pulled a whopping $3.5 million in previews, outperforming The Accountant and Until Dawn—films from this very year. It's tracking toward a $25 million+ weekend, giving current blockbusters like Minecraft a run for their pixels. For a 20-year-old film that was once dismissed as the weakest link in the Skywalker saga, this is more than a nostalgic echo—it's a box office riot.
Nostalgia, But Supercharged
I'll be honest—I didn't expect to care. When I first saw Revenge of the Sith back in 2005, I was 15, hormonal, and mostly hyped for General Grievous' four lightsabers. The film felt overstuffed and underbaked. But something strange has happened in the years since: this movie didn't just age—it fermented into vintage.
And now, we're seeing it on a bigger screen, with louder sound, and a louder cultural moment behind it.
Disney's Disenchantment: A Silent Catalyst
Here's the uncomfortable truth: Disney's recent trilogy bruised the Star Wars brand.
You know it. I know it. Reddit has entire forums dedicated to it. While the Disney sequels (The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker) brought in billions, they also splintered the fandom. Character arcs felt rushed. Lore got rewritten like bad fan fiction. And emotional investment? Vaporized faster than Alderaan.
In contrast, Lucas' prequels—though flawed—feel cohesive. Personal. They're not crowd-tested; they're auteur-driven. And in 2025, that's currency.
The Power of Reappraisal: Cultural Whiplash
What was once cringe is now canon.
A decade ago, lines like “I have the high ground!” were meme-fodder. Today, they're quoted with reverence. Even Empire Magazine ran a glossy, full-throttle tribute to the prequels, celebrating their misunderstood genius. Hayden Christensen—mocked in 2005—is now cheered at conventions. Mark Hamill himself called the prequels “more original” than anything Disney did.
Vindication? Feels like it.
How Fandom Became Financial Forecast
Here's where it gets wild: this isn't a fluke. Last year's re-release of The Phantom Menace grossed $8.5 million domestically and $6 million internationally—beating fresh films like Challengers. But Revenge of the Sith is already doubling that pace.
Why? Two words: appointment nostalgia. Fans aren't just watching this again—they're showing their kids, renting out theaters, cosplaying, posting TikToks. It's not rewatching—it's reliving.
Box Office Battle: Minecraft vs. Midichlorians
Right now, Revenge of the Sith is neck-and-neck with Minecraft. That's not just impressive—it's kind of insane. One is a 2025 tentpole based on one of the most popular games ever made. The other is a 20-year-old political tragedy set in space. Guess which one has fans crying in their popcorn?
Here's the kicker: modern blockbusters often sell spectacle, not soul. But Revenge—with its operatic tragedy, Shakespearean betrayal, and lava-drenched final duel—sells emotion. And in this era of sanitized storytelling, that's a rare commodity.
The Hayden Effect
Christensen's public arc mirrors the film's. Once derided, now beloved. His recent resurgence—cameos in Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka—added fuel to the fire. Fans who once scoffed at Anakin's emo monologues now cheer them.
As he told Empire, “It's like vindication for the work that we did.”
And he's right. Sometimes, time is the best critic.
So… What Now?
Would a George Lucas-directed sequel trilogy still slap in 2025?
Absolutely.
Will it ever happen?
Nope. Lucas is out. Disney owns the rights. But this re-release is a powerful reminder of what Star Wars can be when it trusts its weirdness, its vision, and its fans.
Until then, we've got one hell of a re-release.
FAQs
Why is Revenge of the Sith being re-released in 2025?
It's the film's 20th anniversary, and Disney is cashing in on the ongoing love for George Lucas' original vision.
How much did it make during previews?
$3.5 million on Thursday previews alone—more than some brand-new releases.
Is it outperforming new films?
Yes. It's tracking toward a $25M+ opening weekend, potentially beating films like Minecraft.
Why is nostalgia such a strong driver here?
The fandom feels emotionally betrayed by the Disney sequels, pushing them back toward Lucas' original work.
What did The Phantom Menace earn in its re-release?
$8.5M domestic, $6M international—proof that prequel love is real and profitable.
Will George Lucas ever return to Star Wars?
Sadly, no. He sold the franchise to Disney and has said he's done.
