The new “Star Wars” flick is still six weeks from hitting theaters – but toys and other collectibles based on the hotly awaited sci-fi epic are selling as if they’re out of this world.
Producers of “Episode 1: The Phantom Menace” are hawking new “Star Wars” products over the Internet, on http://www.starwars.com – selling everything from action figures to posters to books and CDs.
And some of the prices are sky-high.
A 9-inch-wide plastic model of the infamous Death Star sells for $20.95. But then again, it is capable of destroying the universe.
A life-size cardboard standup of the mighty wookie Chewbacca goes for $35.
Other products, includingC-3PO computer mice, Princess Leia key chains, rebel pilot sets, Gamorrean guard statuettes, Obi-Wan Kenobi collector cards and “Phantom Menace” T-shirts sell for prices ranging from $7 to $50.
It’s no wonder that Hollywood financial analysts are predicting that the merchandising from the new movie, due out May 19, will rake in a stunning $3 billion dollars.
Fans who’ve collected “Star Wars” paraphernalia since the first movie came out in 1977 are also cashing in – selling their prized possessions over online auction sites.
On Yahoo!, the bidding has been fast and furious for hundreds of items, including a 12-inch model of Han Solo, sold for $100, and a set of Landspeeder toys, for $44.
There’s even an Obi-Wan Kenobi cookie jar selling for $249.
One of the biggest developments involving the new line of “Star Wars” toys has been a deal with Lego.
Under the company’s new agreement, it’s now making construction toys based on the original “Star Wars” trilogy, as well as on the three upcoming “Star Wars” movies to be released over the next decade.
The new line will allow kids to create such characters as Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, as well as vehicles, settings and scenes from the movies.
Industry analysts have already upgraded Lego’s stock as a result of the deal.
“I don’t see how you could get a better property than ‘Star Wars.’ It’s just an automatic sell,” said Eugene Gilligan, executive editor of Playthings magazine. This is one in a continuing series of stories about the phenomenon surrounding the release of the new “Star Wars” epic, “Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.”
The Post’s Bill Hoffmann will examine every aspect of the film’s high-profile production and promotion as the countdown begins to the movie’s May 19 release.