In a shocking twist that’s lighting up theaters across the country, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith has made a powerful return to the big screen — and it’s already outpacing new releases! The iconic film, first released in 2005, has just earned a whopping $3.4 million in box office previews, surpassing the highly anticipated Accountant 2 and proving that the Force is still strong with this one.
Fans rushed to theaters Thursday night to relive the epic showdown between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, many dressed in costumes and lightsabers in hand. This rerelease is part of Lucasfilm’s celebration leading up to Star Wars Day on May 4, and clearly, the hype is real.
Meanwhile, Accountant 2, the sequel to the 2016 action-thriller starring Ben Affleck, drew in a solid but lower $1.7 million in previews. While the film is expected to pick up more steam over the weekend, its slower start has caught many industry insiders off guard.
So, why is Revenge of the Sith crushing it nearly 20 years later?
It’s all about nostalgia. Fans who grew up with the prequel trilogy are now bringing their kids to see it on the big screen, and younger fans are excited to watch it in theaters for the first time. Social media buzz, fan screenings, and special merchandise have all fueled this surprising surge.
Movie theaters are welcoming the boost. After a tough few years post-pandemic, unexpected hits like this are helping drive traffic back to cinemas. One theater manager in Los Angeles called the turnout “insane — we had more people show up for Revenge of the Sith than we’ve seen in months.”
As the weekend continues, all eyes are on the final numbers. Will nostalgia carry Star Wars past modern sequels? Can Accountant 2 recover and find its momentum?
One thing’s for sure — when it comes to box office battles, Star Wars still knows how to bring the heat.
Stay tuned for updates as this cinematic showdown continues to unfold!