September 18, 2024
September 18, 2024
Los Angeles, Jun 13: Fans of a galaxy far, far away are now in with a chance of owning a piece of history when Luke Skywalker’s original Star Wars lightsaber goes up for auction. Passed by Obi-Wan Kenobi from Anakin Skywalker to his son, this is an actual prop handled by Mark Hamill and used in both A New Hope and The Empire Strike Back.
Before becoming a crucial part of 2015’s The Force Awakens, Luke’s lightsaber was presumed lost along with his right-hand hand during his duel with Darth Vader on Cloud City in The Empire Strikes Back. Despite that, the weapon (minus the hand) turned up in the possession of Maz Kanata at her castle on Takodana in Episode VII. In-universe it’s now in the hands of Daisy Ridley’s Rey, but the original prop is now looking for a new residence slightly closer to home.
Luke’s saber is one of the upcoming lots from The Profile Hollywood Auction 89, which will be taking place in Los Angeles from June 26-28. The precious item has been in the possession of producer Gary Kurtz for the past few decades, but now it is moving on with an impressive price tag. A press release for the auction expects Luke’s lightsaber to go for anywhere in the region of $150,000 – $250,000. The last time a Luke Skywalker lightsaber prop was sold, it went for $240,000.
If intergalactic weaponry isn’t your bag, Star Wars fans can also nab themselves an actual R2-D2 unit or some original concept art from Tom Jung that was used for George Lucas’ original trilogy. It isn’t just Star Wars paraphernalia up for auction; other lots include the late Bill Paxton’s armor as Hudson in Aliens, Marilyn Monroe’s first signed contract for 20th Century Fox, as well as costumes from deceased legends like David Bowie, Prince, and Michael Jackson.
Although there is no denying that the auction has some amazing pieces from cinema’s past, Luke’s lightsaber is arguably one of the most impressive. People interested in actually bidding can register in advance for the auction online now. PTI
