‘Star Wars’ droid R2-D2 auctioned for RM11.9 million
LOS ANGELES: An R2-D2 unit used in the fi lming of several “Star Wars” movies has sold for almost US$ 3 million, a southern California auction house said on Thursday.
Luke Skywalker’s droid sidekick was put together from parts used in the fi lming of the original 1977-1983 trilogy and two of the 1999-2005 prequel fi lms, Profi les in History, based near Los Angeles, said in its catalog.
While the 43-inch (109 cm) character played largely by English actor Kenny Baker is known for his tenacious loyalty and snarky sense of humour, there are internal mechanics in the aluminum, steel and fiberglass unit sold on Wednesday.
The unidentified buyer nevertheless shelled out US$ 2.76 million ( RM11.9 million), making it the most expensive lot at a three- day auction of Hollywood memorabilia that included numerous props from the Lucasfi lm franchise, raising a total of US$ 14 million.
Skywalker’s lightsabre from the fi rst two movies, “A New Hope” and “The Empire Strikes Back,” fetched US$ 450,000 while Darth Vader’s helmet from the original fi lm sold for US$ 96,000.
A collection of 23 spaceships from space series “Battlestar Galactica” and “Buck Rodgers” made US$ 1.8 million while the iconic illuminated dance floor from “Saturday Night Fever” went for US$ 1.2 million.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s costume from Titanic (1997) and the sword wielded by Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Conan the Barbarian” (1982) went for US$ 192,000 each.
Other notable lots included a script and the front door to Rick’s Cafe from “Casablanca” (1942), Lucille Ball’s signature polka dot dress from 1950s sitcom “I Love Lucy,” and Evel Knievel’s 1976 Harley-Davidson XLCH 1000 from “Viva Knievel!” (1977). — AFP