(Newswire.net — July 4, 2017) –An R2-D2 droid that was used in several Star Wars movies has sold for USD 2.76 million at an auction in California.
The famous 43-inch tall droid was used in the Star Wars trilogy from 1977-1983, as well as in two movies made from 1999 to 2005.
According to Stephanie Connell, a London-based movie memorabilia consultant, nothing like a complete R2 unit has ever been sold at auction before.
”This is not just a normal movie prop. This is instantly recognizable, the creme de la creme of movie props. This is something you could put right next to a Picasso,” Connell said.
It is not known who paid USD 2.76 million for the droid, which was the most expensive item at the auction held on June 27 and 28.
Some other Star Wars items were up for sale at the same auction, but they went for much less money. Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber sold for USD 450,000 and Darth Vader’s helmet changed hands at USD 96,000.
Star Wars is a film series created by George Lucas. It depicts the adventures of various characters “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.” The series, which earned enormous popularity throughout the world, became true pop culture phenomenon.
The Star Wars prequel trilogy, released between 1999 and 2005, received mixed reactions from both critics and fans.
The sequel trilogy began in 2015 with the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It took the move only a few days to set new records by the number of viewers and profit.
Disney spent more than USD 200 million to make this film, but all the money and effort apparently paid off.
Some fans would line up ten days before the premiere outside famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater on the Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles to buy tickets! Also, an Australian couple married while waiting in line for tickets.