| Mock-Up C-3PO Action Figure | |
This confidential internal Kenner photo shows what is almost certainly the first three-dimensional representation of a C-3PO action figure. This photograph, along with twelve others from this collection, is dated May 10th, 1977, a mere 15 days before A New Hope hit theaters. It is likely this piece was created shortly before that. Considering that it takes a toy company approximately 12-18 months to get a toy from concept to store shelf, we can see how truly behind Kenner was in bringing Star Wars toys to the market. It seems Kenner's model shop wasn't ready with a C-3PO figure when these photos were taken, substituting in a cardboard cutout for C-3PO. Kenner would use this technique of using cardboard stand-ins again in the future. In the summer of 2005, a former Kenner designer attended the Ohio Star Wars Collectors Club Summer Social where he brought with him a binder full of Kenner photos and blueprints. Among those photos was the following:
Second from the right we see an actual C-3PO mock-up that is not made of cardboard. I suppose this figure would be the first three-dimensional toy C-3PO. The Star Wars Collectors Archive is proud to ring in 2006 with these never-before-seen photos. Who could have imagined what these few prototype toys would eventually lead to 29 years later. Indeed, these prototypes would form the basis for many kids' childhoods, created a legion of collectors, and revolutionized the toy industry itself. The other photographs from this collection are of: |
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| Description by: | Isaac Lew |
| Photo: | Isaac Lew, Dustin Roberts |
| From the collection of: | Anonymous |
| Country: | United States |
| Film: | A New Hope |
| Licensee: | Kenner |
| Year: | 1977 |
| Category: | Prototypes / Product Concepts |
