A lightsaber utilized by iconic Star Wars villain Darth Vader has damaged the report for the most costly prop within the sci-fi franchise. The legendary weapon utilized by Vader within the sequels Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Again and Return of the Jedi, has been auctioned and bought for $3.6 million. That may be a multi-million-dollar price ticket for a chunk of cinema historical past.
Per the report by Folks journal, the merchandise was bought throughout Propstore’s now well-known sale of Hollywood memorabilia. The occasion, the place loads of collector’s gadgets from well-known films can be found to anybody with sufficient money to safe them, ran from September 4. Different vital gadgets bought on the public sale embody a whip and belt utilized in Indiana Jones and the Final Campaign, one of many Sankara stones from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and a Stormtrooper helmet from Return of the Jedi.
Nevertheless, the spotlight of the sale was the lightsaber, the primary ever Vader Hero version to be bought. The ultimate bid was for $3,654,000, and the dear prop landed within the arms of an undisclosed purchaser. Propstore COO Brandon Alinger expressed his pleasure concerning the sale and known as the primary day of the occasion a “landmark second” within the historical past of the well-known Los Angeles public sale home. Alinger mentioned the next concerning the lightsaber public sale:
“Right this moment’s end result marks a landmark second not only for Propstore, however for the whole world of movie amassing. To see a Star Wars lightsaber – the image of considered one of cinema’s biggest sagas – change into the highest-valued piece of the franchise ever bought at public sale is extremely particular. It speaks to the enduring cultural energy of Star Wars and the fervour of followers and collectors who see these artifacts as touchstones of contemporary mythology.”
Darth Vader’s Lightsaber Simply Turned One of many Most Costly Film Props Ever Bought
$3.6 million could appear extravagant and extreme, however we’re speaking cinema historical past right here. The lightsaber is arguably an important merchandise in Star Wars’ lore and proudly owning the one utilized by Darth Vader himself is a dream of those that have loyally adopted the franchise since its starting. However, at $3.6 million, the lightsaber is not the most costly Hollywood memorabilia ever bought. That title is held by different gadgets from some traditional films from cinema’s early years.
From ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz (bought for $32.5 million, together with charges) to the sled utilized in Citizen Kane (bought for $14.75 million), there are different items which have surpassed the seven figures, and are actually within the arms of mysterious millionaires.
These films had been made nearly 100 years in the past, so maybe a lightsaber can be price way more in future many years. A swimsuit like Iron Man’s or Thor’s hammer may additionally change into long-lost collectors items for the subsequent technology – or perhaps by then the thought of proudly owning one thing bodily from a film will appear ridiculous in an more and more digital world. Time does nicely for iconic props utilized in everybody’s favourite films, so let’s hope there’ll at all times be a spot for bodily collectibles, and never every part turns digital within the close to future.