Twenty years after its original release, Hot Toys and Sideshow have unveiled a new Luke Skywalker figure based on the video game Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire. This story, celebrating its 30th anniversary, takes place between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Luke processes the revelation that Vader is his father, completes his training, and builds a new lightsaber while searching for Han Solo alongside Leia, Lando, Chewie, and the new ally Dash Rendar.
The figure captures the N64-era design 🎮
The Hot Toys figure replicates the flight suit and lightsaber that Luke uses in the 1996 game. It includes a sculpted head with a serious expression, interchangeable hands, and a display base with the game's logo. The textured finish of the jumpsuit and the belt details aim for fidelity to the original polygonal model. The shoulder armor and helmet are separate pieces for added realism. Collectors can expect a product that prioritizes accuracy over the dramatized style of other lines.
The lightsaber Luke didn't remember having 🤖
The funniest thing about this release is that the figure comes with a lightsaber that Luke builds in the game, but which never appears in the movies. It's as if Hot Toys found a lost accessory at the bottom of a LucasArts drawer. Plus, the flight suit is the same one he wears in the Battle of Endor, but without the sweat and Ewok smell. If you're one of those who completed the game without a guide, this figure is your trophy. If not, at least you'll have a Luke frozen in 1996.