I was curious about where the original model of the Tantive IV was, but couldn’t find anything about it on the internet. I was wondering if anyone here is knowledgeable about this, or if this beautiful piece of film history was just thrown away by George Lucas.
Max rebo has no arms, only legs.
As far as I know it’s in the Lucasfilm archives along with a bunch of other studio models. George Lucas was able to pose with it among a bunch of other models in a 1983 photo, for example.
One thing visible in that image that’s interesting that I don’t think many later adaptations have picked up on is that the B-Wings are marked with circular squadron markers on their wings.
“That Darth Vader, man. Sure does love eating Jedi.”
I saw the model in person at a Star Wars exhibit what was probably now a decade ago. It was indeed bigger than the Star Destroyer that dwarfed it in the movie. I also believe it was bigger and more detailed since it was the original Millennium Falcon. I happened to see both of the Kenner Collector Fleet versions of the ships at a sell it on eBay store window. I should go back and see what they’re asking for them.
Thanks for the speedy replies! Practical effects are so cool… Kamdan, do you happen to remember if the exhibit was at the Smithsonian? I remember seeing that it was on display at a Smithsonian exhibit but I wasn’t sure if it was a replica.
Max rebo has no arms, only legs.
Also ATMachine, at least in rebels the b wing prototype that is seen has circle markings as well
Max rebo has no arms, only legs.
The circles on the B-wing’s wings is pretty well known. I can’t think of a b-wing model or toy with the standard ROTJ paint scheme that doesn’t have them…
The b-wing is a great show of how artistically and creatively different star wars’ spaceships were (and still are).
Max rebo has no arms, only legs.
Thanks for the speedy replies! Practical effects are so cool… Kamdan, do you happen to remember if the exhibit was at the Smithsonian? I remember seeing that it was on display at a Smithsonian exhibit but I wasn’t sure if it was a replica.
It was part of the Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination tour.
It was part of the Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination tour.
Thanks, I’ll check this out
Max rebo has no arms, only legs.
Remember, the only thing Lucas ever threw away was the original theatrical cuts, if you believe him.
Star Wars Revisited Wordpress
Star Wars Visual Comparisons WordPress
Then we have people like Harmy, poita, and the 4kxx team to say NOPE. It makes me so happy to see all the love and passion for Star Wars on this forum.
Doubleofive, I know George Lucas and the crew members destroyed many of the props used, and I didn’t know if the Tantive IV was one of them. I was assuming that it wasn’t but you never know.
Max rebo has no arms, only legs.
They destroyed sets, yes, but the props are in the Archives. I can’t think of any model they trashed. Even pieces of destroyed X-Wings were glued back together and sold at auction.
Star Wars Revisited Wordpress
Star Wars Visual Comparisons WordPress
I can’t think of any model they trashed.
They trashed the first Death Star! The model was recovered from a dumpster by a fan, after ILM left Van Nuys.
oh yeeeeeeah
Star Wars Revisited Wordpress
Star Wars Visual Comparisons WordPress
About that…
Max rebo has no arms, only legs.
I thought these videos felt appropriate for the discussion. Here’s videos that glimpse into the archives at Skywalker Ranch.
“Heroes come in all sizes, and you don’t have to be a giant hero. You can be a very small hero. It’s just as important to understand that accepting self-responsibility for the things you do, having good manners, caring about other people - these are heroic acts. Everybody has the choice of being a hero or not being a hero every day of their lives.” - George Lucas
Very appropriate very appropriate. Second of the two is by far my favorite because It looks much nicer and is more thorough (unfortunately no Tantive). I never realized just how detailed the death star II model is too. Thanks for sharing!
Max rebo has no arms, only legs.
