Ewan McGregor "Obi-Wan Kenobi" Bladed Lightsaber from Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (LucasFilm, 1999). In 1997 production commenced on what would be the first of three new Star Wars films, once again helmed by visionary franchise creator, George Lucas. This new trilogy of films would feature a young Obi-Wan Kenobi and chronicle his protege, Anakin Skywalker's fall to the Dark Side of the Force and rebirth as the evil, Darth Vader. Star Wars: Episode 1 -The Phantom Menace would go on to become the highest grossing Star Wars film to date during the summer of 1999 and the second highest grossing film of all time. It would also introduce a whole new generation to a Galaxy Far, Far Away. This original FX-bladed lightsaber prop was used throughout filming of The Phantom Menace by Ewan McGregor as Jedi Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi. While a metal hero prop hilt was employed for a handful of close-up and insert shots, and lightweight close-up and stunt hilt props were used to hang from the Jedi's belt, it was bladed prop lightsabers of this build that saw the majority of screen time as they were utilized for every shot where Obi-Wan Kenobi could be seen igniting and wielding his signature blue blade. This lightsaber hilt is 11" long and constructed of solid cast resin. It is painted a metallic silver with black detailing of inset sculptural areas with 2-static knobs or dials, 1-painted metallic red and 1-gold. Embedded into the hilt and protruding 9" from the topmost, "emitter" end is a section of "all thread" that is used to attach a 38" long, hollow, aluminum rod or "blade" that has been painted fluorescent green and finished with heat shrink. 4 small holes have been drilled, threaded, and fit with set screws a one end of the blade so that it can be tightened down on the lightsaber hilt's protruding threaded rod. The lightsaber prop design included the ability to remove and replace blades bent and damaged from onscreen combat to be quickly swapped out without holding up filming. The neon green blade played another important role during post-production when the CGI wizards at Industrial Light & Magic would use the green screen ready blades as tracking markers to trace and animate the elegant weapon's instantly recognizable fiery glow. Fans and detractors alike of George Lucas's blockbuster Star Wars prequel films universally cite Ewan McGregor's portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi across the three films as a franchise highlight, both for his performance as well as for his well-documented real world dueling skills with the lightsaber props. Ewan McGregor's portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi has become so beloved over the years that in 2019 Lucasfilm announced it was bringing McGregor back to the role to star in a 6-episode limited series releasing in 2022 on Disney+ where he will once again pick up his lightsaber and face off against his former apprentice, Darth Vader. Measures 49" long with blade/rod affixed. This piece exhibits scuffs and expected production wear to paint. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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