The Force is strong with the newest exhibit at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium in Cavendish.
Maritime Fun Group, which owns the local museum of oddities, says it has secured the original lightsaber prop used by Mark Hamill in his portrayal of Luke Skywalker in the 1980 film “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” for a limited time showing.
The prop will be available for viewing by the public between June 13 and July 2.
The lightsaber was acquired by Edward Meyer, vice president of exhibits and archives for Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at auction in 2017 for $450,000. It is considered one of the most iconic film props of all time, he said in press release Tuesday.
“Luke Skywalker’s original lightsaber is the crown jewel in our Hollywood memorabilia collection,” said Meyer.
Matthew Jelley, president of the Maritime Fun Group P.E.I., said he is honored and excited to host this important piece of pop culture history.
“We are extremely lucky to be able to bring this piece of Star Wars memorabilia to the Maritimes,” said Jelley
“We are looking forward to sharing it with our fellow 'Star Wars' fans.”
While fans can get go see the lightsaber during regular business hours there will also be a special event for "Star Wars" fanboys and fangirls on Saturday, June 23. Customers who show up in their Star Wars costumes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. will receive a special treat, though the company is keeping exactly what that is under wraps for now.
The prop itself was build using a 1930 Graflex camera flash gun and comes from the archives of Gary Kurtz, producer of the first two Star Wars Films.
