Disney/Lucasfilm offering high-end replicas from Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Last week Disney and Lucasfilm released information on a new line of Star Wars: The Force Awakens replica props and helmets from PropShop Studio Editions for sale at this link. These are high-end replicas taking advantage of current 3D scanning imagery, an idea I suggested in an article on 3D printing posted here at borg.com four years ago. The new line of Star Wars generated plenty of press because the new costume pieces are fairly pricey: a melted Darth Vader helmet is selling for $3,500 (limited to 500 units), a Kylo Ren helmet is $2,000, a Finn Stormtrooper helmet is $1,750 (limited to 500 units), and Poe Dameron’s X-Wing pilot helmet is $1,500. The props are similarly priced: Chewbacca’s crossbow is $2,500, Rey’s staff and lightsaber and Kylo’s lightsaber are each $1,500.

Sound like the holy grail for cosplayers? Hold that thought. Here is the description for Finn’s helmet:

Created using the original 3D digital data from the actual FN-2187 Stormtrooper Helmet featured in the film in combination with advanced digital manufacturing processes, and then hand-finished by a highly skilled artisan. The original blood marking has been laser scanned and projected onto this helmet, and a special paint effect process has been applied to identically recreate the surface texture pattern.
Made of a composition of 3D printing materials, forged items, and cast items
Includes a chip to authenticate the serial number that is printed on the Certificate of Authenticity
Delivered in an exclusive, custom wooden crate inspired by the packaging used for the original prop
Limited Edition of 500
Certificate of Authenticity and Authenticity Medallion included

Imported
40 L x 30 W x 50cm H
Product weight with stand: 3365g
Product weight without stand: 1165g
Stand included
This is not a toy. It is not meant to be worn as a costume, and does not contain any moving parts.

So the oddity is the “not meant to be worn as a costume” bit. If you’re shelling out that kind of money, shouldn’t these be wearable? This is why we think that, at least for the helmets, your better bet is Anovos. Right now you can pre-order here am officially licensed Kylo Ren mask, also created from 3D scans of the original for only $250, or a First Order stormtrooper helmet for $249.95. More detailed versions are also available, including a First Order stormtrooper helmet for $600, a First Order TIE Fighter pilot helmet for $650, and a Captain Phasma helmet for $799.95. And these are intended for cosplay.

Here is the PropShop $2,000 Kylo Ren helmet:

and here is the standard line Kylo Ren helmet from Anovos that sells for only $250 (below, left):

We’re sure the scrutinizing collectors can tell the difference, but for everyone else it is good to know there is an alternative. And for those that really can’t tell the difference, there’s always the even less expensive Rubie’s version (pictured above, right), available at Amazon.com here. Maybe the message is the with new 3D technologies everyone can get their mitts on replicas nearly identical to the real thing.

Here are the prop pieces available from PropShop:

Rey’s staff: