logo
Darth Vader lightsaber expected to sell for $3m on display in London

Darth Vader lightsaber expected to sell for $3m on display in London

Observer2 days ago
A lightsaber used by Darth Vader in the original Star Wars films has gone on display in London ahead of an auction where it is expected to sell for millions.
The primary duelling lightsaber, featured in the climactic battles in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983), could fetch up to $3 million.
It is being sold as part of an auction comprising more than 1,000 lots of film-used props and costumes that carry an estimated total value of $10 million.
Top items being sold include the Spider-Man suit worn by Tobey Maguire in the 2002 superhero film and the batsuit worn by Michael Keaton in 1989's Batman.
Maguire's suit carries a pre-sale estimate of between $100,000 and $200,000, while the batsuit could fetch up to $500,000.
Chris Evans' Captain America shield in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) is also being sold, as is Ryan Reynolds' mask in Deadpool (2016) and Jane Fonda's Barbarella costume from the 1968 film.
Elsewhere, Harrison Ford's eight-foot bullwhip, belt, and whip holster from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) are expected to fetch between $250,000 and $500,000.
Props from a range of other popular films and TV shows also feature, including the flamethrower used by Sigourney Weaver's character Ellen Ripley in Aliens (1986), and the stunt Longclaw sword used by Kit Harington's Jon Snow in HBO series Game of Thrones.
A number of props from the Harry Potter film series are also up for auction, including the Platform 9 ¾ sign, which could sell for up to $40,000, and Daniel Radcliffe's wand as Harry Potter from the scenes in The Prisoner of Azkaban when he is seen opening the Marauder's Map.
The shark tooth clapperboard used to film Steven Spielberg's Jaws (1975)—which is celebrating its 50th anniversary—will also be sold and carries a pre-sale estimate of between $40,000 and $80,000.
The Star Wars lightsaber went on display as part of a private exhibition at The Dorchester in London on Wednesday ahead of Propstore's auction in Los Angeles, taking place between 4 and 6 September. —PA Media/dpa
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Darth Vader lightsaber expected to sell for $3m on display in London
Darth Vader lightsaber expected to sell for $3m on display in London

Observer

time2 days ago

  • Observer

Darth Vader lightsaber expected to sell for $3m on display in London

A lightsaber used by Darth Vader in the original Star Wars films has gone on display in London ahead of an auction where it is expected to sell for millions. The primary duelling lightsaber, featured in the climactic battles in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983), could fetch up to $3 million. It is being sold as part of an auction comprising more than 1,000 lots of film-used props and costumes that carry an estimated total value of $10 million. Top items being sold include the Spider-Man suit worn by Tobey Maguire in the 2002 superhero film and the batsuit worn by Michael Keaton in 1989's Batman. Maguire's suit carries a pre-sale estimate of between $100,000 and $200,000, while the batsuit could fetch up to $500,000. Chris Evans' Captain America shield in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) is also being sold, as is Ryan Reynolds' mask in Deadpool (2016) and Jane Fonda's Barbarella costume from the 1968 film. Elsewhere, Harrison Ford's eight-foot bullwhip, belt, and whip holster from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) are expected to fetch between $250,000 and $500,000. Props from a range of other popular films and TV shows also feature, including the flamethrower used by Sigourney Weaver's character Ellen Ripley in Aliens (1986), and the stunt Longclaw sword used by Kit Harington's Jon Snow in HBO series Game of Thrones. A number of props from the Harry Potter film series are also up for auction, including the Platform 9 ¾ sign, which could sell for up to $40,000, and Daniel Radcliffe's wand as Harry Potter from the scenes in The Prisoner of Azkaban when he is seen opening the Marauder's Map. The shark tooth clapperboard used to film Steven Spielberg's Jaws (1975)—which is celebrating its 50th anniversary—will also be sold and carries a pre-sale estimate of between $40,000 and $80,000. The Star Wars lightsaber went on display as part of a private exhibition at The Dorchester in London on Wednesday ahead of Propstore's auction in Los Angeles, taking place between 4 and 6 September. —PA Media/dpa

‘Star Wars' creator George Lucas to hit Comic-Con for first time
‘Star Wars' creator George Lucas to hit Comic-Con for first time

Observer

time26-07-2025

  • Observer

‘Star Wars' creator George Lucas to hit Comic-Con for first time

Comic-Con kicks off on Thursday in San Diego, California, with expectations running high among devoted fans keen to catch a glimpse of George Lucas at his first-ever appearance at the convention. Other expected highlights of the gathering - one of the world's biggest celebrations of pop culture - include the world premiere of the prequel series 'Alien: Earth.' Comic-Con began holding events in San Diego in 1970, as a low-key and rather niche huddle, but has now grown to an annual get-together that attracts 130,000 people eager to hear behind-the-scenes tidbits from Hollywood stars and directors unveiling their latest projects. This year's edition will be marked by the presence of legendary film-maker Lucas, who has never visited the convention before despite Comic-Con culture being deeply rooted in his 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' franchises. In a session on Sunday set to be moderated by Queen Latifah, Lucas will discuss the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art with Mexican director Guillermo del Toro and Oscar-winning artist Doug Chiang, who has shaped the iconic 'Star Wars' universe for decades. The museum, scheduled to open in Los Angeles next year, will be dedicated to illustrated narratives and will house the Lucas archive. 'Nearly five decades ago, Star Wars made one of its earliest public appearances at our convention, along with a booth featuring (comic book artist) Howard Chaykin's now legendary Star Wars poster as a promotional item,' said David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer. 'Now, to have Mr Lucas... is a true full-circle moment. His lifelong dedication to visual storytelling and world-building resonates deeply with us and our community.' Marvel Studios will have a smaller presence at the convention this year, skipping its eagerly awaited annual presentation in Hall H. According to Variety, changes to the premiere of the new 'Avengers' instalment complicated logistics for the studio, whose cast is currently filming in Britain. Despite this notable absence, events at coveted Hall H still promise great excitement for fans of science fiction, a core genre of the convention. Comic-Con runs from Thursday to Sunday, July 27. — AFP

Breaking free from scrolling; back to the big screen
Breaking free from scrolling; back to the big screen

Observer

time23-07-2025

  • Observer

Breaking free from scrolling; back to the big screen

Cinema owners need to make an effort to captivate their audiences and encourage them to return. There is a need to offer a better cinematic experience. Just been to the cinema. It is my second time since the Covid-19 pandemic ended. My first visit was to watch Oppenheimer, the story about the development of the atomic bomb and the first nuclear explosion that forever changed the world. Oppenheimer drew crowds back to theatres. The cinema industry has been severely impacted by the Covid pandemic. We saw theatres being closed and the rise of over-the-top media service (OTT). Streaming platforms have changed cinema-goers' preferences. While OTT services were a blessing during the pandemic, they now pose a significant threat to cinema because audiences have become too comfortable with their subscriptions. People still prefer watching films at home. When the Barbie movie was released in 2023, I was eager to watch it at the cinema. However, as it was prohibited in Oman, I had to depend on streaming services. There's nothing wrong with subscribing to popular streaming providers like Netflix, YouTube and Disney. They offer convenient access to services that bypass traditional cable, broadcast and satellite television platforms, as well as censorship. However, there are still many reasons to watch films on the big screen. The feeling of total immersion is akin to being transported to the scenes and stories. All the boring things are removed; what truly matters is what is within the frame. The thrills of the Star Wars theatrical trilogy are more enjoyable on a large screen. Several iconic big-budget films, including Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Top Gun: Maverick, Jurassic World and Gladiator II, are returning. Fortunately, local cinemas have been gaining small-scale audiences. With the summer's sweltering temperatures, people are flocking to malls and cinemas. They are heading to theatres for a few hours of entertainment and to escape into a world of imagination. After all, there is nothing better than watching fantasy on a large, advanced screen with immersive sound, high-quality visuals, and, of course, delicious popcorn, nachos and soda. Shakespeare would have loved cinema. Innovative thinking is key to boosting theatre attendance. There are discussions in the film industry about releasing films exclusively for the big screen to prevent OTT services from profiting from them. The recent internationally coordinated effort to revive the big screen is worthwhile; it allows content creators the chance to play significant roles in producing innovative advertising material; it provides job opportunities and it keeps food courts busy with customers. All these are part of the economic cycle – money exchanging hands. Special events can attract new audiences while also finding new ways to make films culturally and socially relevant. Theatres might get a makeover from private and business events. The live sports screening trend, like the 2025 Uefa Champions League and the 2022 Fifa World Cup, is fantastic, as long as opposing groups do not engage in scuffles. Younger audiences can learn to enjoy the big screen, while older audiences can rediscover the magic of cinema and be drawn to movie theatres. Documentary films are becoming increasingly popular. Although not theatrical, documentaries can both entertain and educate. In the meantime, efforts are underway to promote and showcase Oman's film industry. There are plans for a 'Film City' aiming to provide production services and encourage local talent. In Oman, audiences are avid viewers of international movies. Action films are the most popular, followed by family films, animation and horror. Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi productions are also well-liked. There is something unique about cinema. It is a magical medium that offers an emotional journey; the shared laughter and screams foster social connection, enhance empathy and provide psychological benefits. Let's be happier together!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store