‘Star Wars’ Memorabilia Sells for Nearly $4 Million at Auction

The original 1977 half-sheet movie poster created for ‘Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope’ sold for $3.87 million to an unidentified buyer.

James Earl Jones as the voice of Darth Vader in “Star Wars: Episode Four—A New Hope” Lucasfilm Ltd

A rare piece of original artwork that kickstarted the “Star Wars” cinematic universe set a record price, fetching $3.875 million at auction on Dec. 10.

The 1977 half-sheet artwork created for “Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope” by illustrator Tom Jung was sold by Heritage Auctions during its “Hollywood & Entertainment Signature Auction” in Dallas, Texas.

The two-day event attracted thousands of bidders across more than 600 lots, featuring a number of high-profile collectables from every era of Hollywood and timeless blockbusters.

“This isn’t just a milestone for Star Wars. It’s a landmark moment for the entire field of pop culture collectibles and artwork,” said Charles Epting, director of Consignments, Pop Culture & Historical at Heritage Auctions.

“This painting defined the visual language of one of the most beloved films of all time, and its impact clearly still resonates with collectors at the highest level.”

First appearing in a newspaper on May 13, 1977, the poster is more than just a piece of artwork to collectors but an origin story paving the way to the films theatrical release.

The horizontal painting displays Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to the leftmost edge of the composition, as Darth Vader and the Death Star space station looms in the background.

The canvas also features X-wings taking flight, with droid robots R2-D2 and C-3PO placed beside Jedi-Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, who is gazing at the stars with a young Skywalker.

“This auction showcased the incredible momentum in entertainment collecting, with passionate engagement from fans across every corner of pop culture,” said Joe Maddalena, executive vice president of Heritage Auctions.

“Children of the 1970s and ’80s who grew up on Jaws and Star Wars are now leading the charge, driving prices higher as they seek to reconnect with the films that shaped their lives. Collectors today are honoring the moments, the creativity, and the legends that continue to inspire us.”

The acrylic and airbrush style painting became the most valuable piece of “Star Wars” memorabilia and movie poster ever sold at auction.

It beat out previous franchise records, including Darth Vader’s lightsaber that sold for $3.65 million at auction and The Red Leader X-Wing Miniature Starfighter for $3.125 million in 2023.

“This auction was a fitting finale to a banner year for Heritage and a clear reminder of why collectors worldwide look to us as the premier destination for pop culture treasures,” Maddalena said.

Meanwhile, the buyer of the painting, which was sold directly from the family of “Star Wars” producer Gary Kurtz, has chosen to remain anonymous.