The first Star Wars film changed the world of movies when it was released in 1977 (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Almost 50 years ago the world of movies was changed forever when the first Star Wars film was released. The inaugural instalment in what would become a global phenomenon hit cinemas in 1977, and fans immediately fell in love with Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and the galaxy far, far away.
And now one of the first looks movie lovers ever got of the film has resurfaced – and it looks very different to how the film turned out. The teaser trailer, reportedly shown before screenings of the 1976 remake of King Kong, includes an ominous voice-over, and lacks one of the most important elements of the franchise – John Williams’ iconic music. It was posted on X, formerly Twitter, by actor and musician Michael Warburton.
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Michael said: « This STAR WARS teaser trailer was screened before ‘King Kong’ in December of 1976. The special effects weren’t finished, the music is NOT John Williams, and all in all it gives off a very different, much darker vibe. Interesting. »
The clip opens with a view of space, with an indistinguishable object in the distance, and a booming voice saying: « Somewhere in space, this may all be happening right now. 20th Century Fox and George Lucas, the man who brought you American Graffiti, now bring you an adventure unlike anything on your planet: Star Wars. »
The object slowly approaches, eventually revealed to be the film’s title, as the trailer shows brief moments from the film, featuring characters including the central trio, as well as the villainous Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2. It’s accompanied by a tense, understated soundtrack – very different from the bombastic orchestral score John Williams would compose for the film.
The narration continues: « The story of a boy, a girl, and a universe. It’s a big, sprawling space saga of rebellion and romance. It’s a spectacle, light years ahead of its time. It’s an epic of heroes and villains and aliens from a thousand worlds. Star Wars: A billion years in the making, and it’s coming to your galaxy this summer. »
The clip ends with the film’s title exploding, much like the Death Star at the end of the movie, followed by the caption: « Coming this summer from 20th Century Fox. » Overall it gives the impression of a much darker, more tense film than the swashbuckling action adventure movie-goers would eventually experience in 1977.
Notably, the film is only referred to as Star Wars. It was not until it was re-released in 1981 that it would gain the full title of Episode IV: A New Hope.
This STAR WARS teaser trailer was screened before ‘King Kong’ in December of 1976.
The special effects weren’t finished, the music is NOT John Williams, and all in all it gives off a very different much darker vibe.
Interesting. pic.twitter.com/n8O0pFIEij
— Michael Warburton (@TheMonologist) February 23, 2026
Fans were amazed by the clip, with many noting how different to the finished movie it feels. One, DethNade, said: « Glad they put John Williams music in it. And it feels like I’m watching The Twilight Zone or something lol. »
Liam wrote: « Oh wow. It’s got that ‘gritty seventies sci-fi’ feel to it. » And Plant And Tractor Trader said: « The music plays such a part in the film being good. It’s kind of weird to watch that without the music. »
Danny Ashkenasi offered a suggestion for what the tense soundtrack may be, saying: « The background music appears to be the beginning of ‘Winter’ from Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons on a loop. »
And Das_Principal said: « I was 15 when it came out. I remember watching the trailers and thinking I’ve never seen anything like this. »
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