Star Wars Figurines

When the first Star Wars movie appeared, people flocked to the cinema in droves. Shortly afterwards, they stormed the shops to buy the movie heroes as action figures - a phenomenon that had never been seen before. Only a few knew that the movie would not have been made without these characters. In fact, for a while things did not look good for the cinematic Star Wars.

A misunderstood genius

After the success of "Star Wars", George Lucas was hailed as a brilliant filmmaker and storyteller. Before the film was made, things looked very different. Certainly, Lucas was considered a talented mind. His plans for a full series of films about Jedi and the Galactic Empire, however, were met with incomprehension. He talked about people who wielded lightsabers, saying "May the Force be with You." A rasping villain in a black suit and a green dwarf who had problems with sentence structure and grammar.

Some believed that he had lost his mind. The problem was that Lucas needed these people as a backer. In the end, he offered them a proposal that was as ingenious as it was crazy: George Lucas would forfeit his pay as a director to reduce the cost of the film. In return, he wanted to have the rights to merchandising. Bedsheets, cups and in particular Star Wars figures. Luckily for us, they agreed.

How was the Death Star born?

The topic of toys also played an important role in the filming: The film studio had entrusted Lucas with a mini-budget. Far too little to implement his ideas. That is also the reason why "Episode 4" was shot first. It was the part that required the least money. Nevertheless, the team had to improvise in many places. So Lucas and his men set off to buy model kits of aircraft and ships. The individual parts were then combined to create the model of the Death Star.

They then simply moved the camera over the glued parts. The result was the famous scene in which the pilots flew over the Death Star. In general, improvisation was the order of the day. Lucas did not have enough money to work perfectly. So, the existing technology was rebuilt in adventurous ways, to make the desired results possible. In the end, film scenes emerged that were far ahead of their time.

Which Star Wars figure will you choose?

Over the decades, very different Star Wars action and collectible figures have seen the light of day. What is particularly striking is that not only the heroes are in demand. In fact, characters like Boba Fett and Darth Vader enjoy cult status as well as the "good guys". The most popular Star Wars characters include the following groups: Jedi Knights, heroes without lightsabers, Sith Warriors, Imperial Troopers and Bounty Hunters.

The Jedi Knights - Guardians of freedom

The Jedi have guaranteed peace in the galaxy for thousands of years. Since they were not always greeted with friendship, they wore a lightsaber. Some argue that this is more elegant than dealing with clumsy laser pistols. Jedi are masters in dealing with the Force - an energy field that permeates everything.

Heroes without lightsabers

Not everyone has talent in dealing with the Force. Star Wars has a lot of heroes who are excellent pilots, diplomats or skilled shooters. Among them is a famous smuggler, accompanied by a Wookie, flying the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.

Sith warriors

The counterpart to the Jedi. A Sith also dominates the Force, but uses it for dark purposes. The Jedi and Sith have been in conflict for millennia. Actually, the Sith were considered extinct until Palpatine proved otherwise. He founded the Galactic Empire, eradicated the Jedi, and made Anakin Skywalker Darth Vader. Both the Sith warriors and the Jedi are available as Funko POP! figures in the EMP Online Shop.

Imperial Troopers

The Stormtroopers were once clone warriors. These days, anyone who is suitable for the job can join. There are different divisions that are dressed differently. As a rule, the Stormtroopers wear white armor, although you can also see them in other colours. You’d better be careful of the troopers dressed in red: they are part of the Emperor's guard. This is not the kind of job you get just by baking cookies …

Bounty Hunters

Ever since "The Empire Strikes Back" they have been among the fans’ favourites. Bounty Hunters will hunt down anyone if the price is right. In addition to humanoids, there are also droids who earn their engine oil on this way. If you are looking for a particularly nasty Star Wars character, then you are in the right place. The EMP Star Wars Figures Shop also offers these gentlemen. But beware: If a bounty is placed on you, EMP assumes no liability for your safety!