One of the most important movies in theStar Warstimeline just got a significant update that could keepStar Warsreaders from turning to the dark side. Random House World andLucasfilmhave allowed Collider to exclusively announce that theRevenge of the SithNovelization is being given a breathtaking new hardcover to celebrate 20 years of the prequel film. First released in 2005 in unison with the film’s theatrical debut, theRevenge of the Sithnovelization provides critical details and insight into Anakin Skywalker’s (Hayden Christensen) descent to the dark side at the hands of Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid).
Tom Hoeler, Editorial Director of Fiction and Special Projects for Random House World, also provided an official quote on the deluxe edition release that can be found below, as well as a short clip showing off all the bells and whistles of the novelization:
“We couldn’t be more excited to publish this incredible deluxe edition of theRevenge of the Sithnovelization. It has been thrilling to work with author Matthew Stover and Lucasfilm to create a fully annotated edition that gives readers unprecedented insight to the creation of this masterpiece. Across nearly 50 years ofStar Warsbooks, it stands alone, and even among film novelizations its approach to adapting characters and story from screen to page is unique. Two decades later, this novelization is as essential, enduring, and influential – on readers and creators – as it has ever been. Bringing the book back to hardcover in a stunning deluxe keepsake edition is a perfect way to celebrate 20 years ofRevenge of the Sith.”
The new special edition novelization comes with over 150 annotations from authorMatthew Stover, an acetate jacket with foil stamping, a paper over-board book case, gilded and stained edges, illustrated full-color end papers, and a red satin ribbon market. Capping off theStar Warsprequel trilogy, which kicked off withThe Phantom Menacein 1999,Revenge of the Sithwas the last majorStar Warsmovie in the Skywalker timeline until the franchise returned to the big screen in 2015 withThe Force Awakens. While opinions varied upon the movie’s initial release in 2005,Revenge of the Sithhas become a cult classic over the years, which has led to an entire generation ofStar Warsfans identifying the prequel trilogy as what pulled them into the franchise.Revenge of the Sith($848 million) fell just short of grossing $850 million when it was initially released in 2005, but the film will have a chance to push past that milestone later this month when it returns to theaters tocelebrate the 20th anniversary.
The Prequel Trilogy Has Been Revived Years Later
The prequel trilogy was treated as the ugly duckling of the franchise until recent years. Releases such asObi-Wan KenobiandAhsokahave brought back iconic prequel characters like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor) while also continuing the story and filling in more gaps. The future for Obi-Wan Kenobi remains unclear, but withAhsokaSeason 2 set to kick off filming next year, it’s entirely possible for Anakin Skywalker to return in a similar capacity to Season 1.
Revenge of the Sithwill be re-released in theaters on April 25,pre-order it now. Check out the first look at theRevenge of the Sithdeluxe edition novelization above and stay tuned to Collider for moreStar Warsupdates.
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Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
