Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

An original R2-D2 projector created for the production of the 1980 science fiction picture The Empire Strikes Back, the second instalment of the classic Star Wars franchise directed by Irvin Kershner.

R2-D2 is the now iconic astromech droid created by George Lucas and one of the first characters conceptualised by Ralph McQuarrie during the production of Star Wars. A feature of the original first draft script penned by Lucas in 1974 the character has gone on to become one of the most famous robots in motion picture history. R2-D2 was realised on screen by a variety of costume units and mechanical versions, with the props built for the original Star Wars picture plagued with problems throughout filming it was decided that the design needed to be improved upon and a batch of eight new R2-D2 units built for the production of The Empire Strikes Back under Tony Dyson. These R2 units were constructed largely in fibreglass making them lighter and much more manoeuvrable than the original aluminium built props created for A New Hope.

This is an original holographic projector created during the production for use on one of the new and improved Empire Strikes Back R2 props. Cast from one of the original aluminium A New Hope projectors these were actually overhead cabin lights manufactured for use in aircraft which were used for the three holoprojectors on R2-D2's dome. Constructed in a lightweight cream coloured resin the projector is cast in two pieces meaning that when the housing was attached to the prop it would have some directional movement, this example was ultimately surplus to production requirements and remains unpainted.

The projector measures approximately 3" in diameter and remains in good production made condition.

An recognisable and displayable artefact from one of the most influential and highly regarded franchises in cinematic history.