Darth Vader’s iconic lightsaber sells for greater than $3 million : NPR

An iconic movie prop is making its means from a galaxy far, far-off to a fortunate fan.

The pink lightsaber of Star Wars villain Darth Vader was bought at public sale for $3.6 million on Sept. 4. This prop was used throughout the filming of “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” together with the memorable “I Am Your Father” combat scene between Vader and Luke Skywalker.

Brandon Alinger, the COO of the public sale home Propstore, which hosted the sale, remarked, “Darth Vader, of course, arguably the most memorable villain of all time. And this is his weapon, the weapon of cinema’s most infamous, recognizable, unforgettable villain.”

This lightsaber seems as a heavy, scratched black and chrome cylinder. According to Alinger, it initially began as a digicam flash attachment and, with some film magic, was remodeled right into a lightsaber. Although Propstore has different lightsabers in its assortment, that is the primary time this explicit Darth Vader lightsaber has been auctioned. Before the public sale, Propstore estimated that the merchandise would promote for not less than $1 million to $3 million.

In the weeks main as much as the public sale, the lightsaber had been on tour, permitting followers and potential bidders to view it in particular person in London, New York, and Beverly Hills. Alongside the lightsaber, Propstore additionally showcased gadgets from different blockbuster movies, together with the bullwhip from “Indiana Jones,” the neuralyzer from “Men in Black,” and the clapperboard used on the set of “Jaws,” amongst others.

On Sept. 4, Propstore closed the public sale for the lightsaber with a successful bid of $3.6 million. According to The Hollywood Reporter, this price ticket makes the prop “the highest-valued piece from the ‘Star Wars’ franchise ever up for auction.”

For the lucky fan who claimed the enduring Vader lightsaber hilt, could the Force be with you.