As part of our ongoing efforts to explore the world of weird pop culture memorabilia—Eminem’s old building supplies, for example, or a stuffed bee that was attached to Zac Efron’s crotch—we’re always looking for the next pricey-but-priceless artifact to add to our collective mantle. And when you’re on the prowl for a really killer conversation starter among the cultural elite, what could be better verbal fuel than, “I spent $3,500 on a prop replica of Darth Vader’s melted head from Star Wars: Episode VII—The Force Awakens?”
Disney is teaming up with custom item manufacturers Propshop—the company that made all the props for The Force Awakens, not the web site for model boat propeller enthusiasts—for the Ultimate Studio Edition replicas of several props from the hit film. Interested consumers can pick up facsimiles of Rey’s lightsaber hilt, Finn’s blood-stained stormtrooper helmet, and, of course, the melted headpiece that Kylo Ren uses to really tie his inner Sith sanctum together.
The objects on sale are all based on Propshop’s original 3D printing data for the movie, and some are available only in limited supplies. The web site for the collection also stresses that these items aren’t toys, and aren’t designed for use in costumes (even if might be hard to resist the urge to pop Poe Dameron’s flight helmet on your head and make all of your Tumblr-fueled dreams come true). Every item comes with a certificate of authenticity and a serial number chip, and ships in a crate designed to replicate the ones that Propshop used to transport the actual props to the set. (Which suggests that the goal here isn’t to cosplay as John Boyega or Adam Driver, but as director J.J. Abrams himself, button-down blue shirt and natty glasses not included.)