Darth Vader’s red lightsaber is heading to auction for the first time
An iconic film prop is making its way from a galaxy far, far away to an auction near you.
The red lightsaber of Star Wars villain Darth Vader is up for sale. This prop was used during the filming of “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” including the memorable “I Am Your Father” fight scene between Vader and Luke Skywalker.
Brandon Alinger, the COO of the auction house Propstore, which is hosting 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 appears as a heavy, scratched black and chrome cylinder. According to Alinger, it originally started as a camera flash attachment and, with some movie magic, was transformed into a lightsaber. Although Propstore has other lightsabers in its collection, this is the first time this particular Darth Vader lightsaber is being auctioned. Propstore estimates the item will sell for at least $1 million to $3 million.
In the weeks leading up to the auction, the lightsaber has been on tour, allowing fans and potential bidders to view it in person in London, New York, and Beverly Hills. Alongside the lightsaber, Propstore is also showcasing items from other blockbuster films, including the bullwhip from “Indiana Jones,” the neuralyzer from “Men in Black,” and the clapperboard used on the set of “Jaws,” among others. The final stop on the tour is Los Angeles.
On Sept. 4, Propstore will begin accepting bids for this lightsaber. For those eager to claim the iconic Vader lightsaber hilt, may the Force be with you.
Pipe bomb suspect told FBI he targeted U.S. political parties, memo says
The man accused of placing two pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of Jan. 6, 2021 told investigators someone needed to "speak up" for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen, prosecutors said Sunday.
Chinese military stages drills around Taiwan to warn ‘external forces’
The drills came after Beijing expressed anger at U.S. arms sales, and a statement by Japan's prime minister saying its military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan.
Trump and Netanyahu to meet in Florida at a crucial moment for the Gaza ceasefire
President Trump could use the face-to-face at his Mar-a-Lago estate to look for ways to speed up the peace process, as Israel's leader has been accused of not pushing his side to move fast enough.
‘Bomb cyclone’ forecasted to bring heavy snow, blizzard conditions and dangerous travel
A 'bomb cyclone' is intensifying severe winter weather for millions of people across the U.S. The system is expected to knock out power and disrupt holiday travel.
Russia sends 3 Iranian satellites into orbit, report says
The report said that a Russian rocket sent the satellites on Sunday from a launchpad in eastern Russia.
Viral global TikToks: A twist on soccer, Tanzania’s Charlie Chaplin, hope in Gaza
TikToks are everywhere (well, except countries like Australia and India, where they've been banned.) We talk to the creators of some of the year's most popular reels from the Global South.
