One of the most iconic moments in the original Star Wars series is when Luke Skywalker fires the finishing shot to destroy the Death Star. This scene, now deeply ingrained in pop culture, featured a model X-wing fighter. Recently, this very model was sold at Heritage Auctions for a staggering $3.1 million USD, making it the most expensive Star Wars-related prop ever sold.
Constructed by Greg Jein, a renowned Chinese-American model designer and visual effects artist, this X-wing fighter was also involved in several other blockbuster movies, including Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989), and Mulan (2020). Jein’s exceptional talent and contributions to the film industry are undeniable.
The impressive result of this auction reflects not only the importance of the Star Wars franchise but also the incredible work of Greg Jein as a visual-effects master and a collector. Joe Maddalena, the executive vice president of Heritage Auctions, expressed his admiration for Jein, stating, “The success of this auction was a profound testament to Greg Jein as both a visual-effects master and one of the great collectors. This event exceeded my expectations.”
Unfortunately, Greg Jein passed away in 2022 due to health complications related to diabetes. However, his legacy lives on through the archival objects he worked on throughout his career. These objects, including the X-Wing model, were recently discovered by Jein’s friends in storage units in Los Angeles. To honor Jein’s contributions, his collection was auctioned off earlier this month in Dallas, fetching an astounding $13.6 million USD.
FAQ
1. What is the significance of the model X-wing fighter used in Star Wars?
The model X-wing fighter used in Star Wars is an iconic piece of cinematic history. It played a crucial role in the scene where Luke Skywalker destroys the Death Star, which is widely recognized as one of the most memorable moments of the original Star Wars series.
2. Who built the X-wing model and what other notable works were they involved in?
The X-wing model was built by Greg Jein, a Chinese-American model designer and visual effects artist. Jein’s talent and skills were not limited to Star Wars; he also worked on other notable films such as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, The Dark Knight Rises, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, and Mulan, among others.
3. How much did the X-wing model sell for, and how does it compare to other Star Wars-related props?
The X-wing model was sold for an impressive $3.1 million USD at Heritage Auctions, setting a new record as the most expensive Star Wars-related prop ever sold. This sale demonstrates the immense value and demand for iconic items from the beloved franchise.
4. What happened to Greg Jein’s collection after his passing?
After Greg Jein’s passing, his collection, including the X-Wing model, was discovered by his friends in storage units in Los Angeles. The collection was recently auctioned off in Dallas, fetching a remarkable $13.6 million USD. This auction served as a tribute to Jein’s remarkable career and contributions to the film industry.
