Spotlight on screen-used sci-fi/fantasy movie & TV props, costumes and miniatures…

Posted by A Middle Aged Geek on

“Gain Strength from the Sharing…”

With a nod to Spock’s half-brother Sybok, the purpose of this particular column is to share; to share in the good fortune I’ve had in my life as a semi-professional geek to see a virtual treasure trove of actual screen-used props, costumes, miniatures and other such cool stuff over the past few decades. To be clear, I’m not being boastful, but rather grateful; grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to repeatedly attend events such as San Diego Comic Con, Star Trek Las Vegas (or whatever name it goes by these days), the long-defunct Star Trek: The Exhibition, and the relatively new Academy Museum in Los Angeles, among others.

“I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe….”
The San Diego convention center is the main hub of San Diego Comic Con, where I’ve seen so many treasures.

With that in mind, I tried to create a list of personal highlights from my insanely large photo libraries and Flickr account albums; some of which will be linked for those who’d like to see even more. This is already a huge column, so you might want to get yourself a drink or snack as you read it…

To give this column some kind of structure, I’ve listed some favorites of mine in a rough chronological order (with some exceptions, like keeping my Star Trek stuff together). Please forgive the variable picture quality too, as it reflects phone/camera advancement over the decades. Most of the photos were also taken quickly from the only vantage points I could get at the time, since these events were usually very busy, and photo ops were often rushed. Nevertheless, I hope you vicariously enjoy these treasures as much as I do when I re-experience them through these photos.

“20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” (1954)

I’ve seen a couple of rare pieces from Disney’s colorful adaptation of Jules Verne‘s classic 19th century novel. I first experienced this marvelous movie (starring James Mason, Kirk Douglas and Peter Lorre) on TV as a kid, and still love it to this day. As an adult, seeing the movie’s 11-ft. Nautilus miniature in person was truly breathtaking…

The Nautilus.
From the Profiles in History booth at San Diego Comic Con; the 11-foot (3.3 meters) shooting miniature of Captain Nemo’s 19th century nuclear submarine Nautilus. When I saw it, I did an honest-to-goodness double take, and read the placard to confirm that it was the actual ship miniature used in the 1954 movie. I was too dumbstruck to get a closeup of the placard (an error in most of these pics, for which I apologize), but it did confirm it was not a prop replica. I also regret not getting someone standing nearby for scale, but it was hard enough just getting the full vessel in frame while other attendees were elbowing for a look as well. Photo from San Diego 2012.
A Nautilus crew member diving helmet.
A functional, screen-used “baldy” diving helmet (most of its outer pieces were removed) from the the film. One of the giveaways of screen-used props vs. fan-made replicas is that the screen-used versions are often rougher, more crudely-made, or they show signs of age and wear. Photo taken at the Profiles in History booth at San Diego Comic Con 2018.

“Forbidden Planet” (1956).

The predecessor of, and one of many direct inspirations for Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek. In the words of my wife’s now-retired NASA/Caltech JPL engineer cousin, “Forbidden Planet was my ‘Star Wars’ when I was a teenager in the 1950s.” One of the rare big-budget sci-fi films from the 1950s (when sci-fi movies were often bug-eyed monsters terrifying teenagers), “Forbidden Planet” was a pre-Space Age adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” that I’ve seen more times than I can count, and despite some dated attitudes in the film, it remains a visual feast. I still get goosebumps when I remember talking with actor Richard Anderson (“Chief Quinn”) during a relaxed conversation at San Diego Comic Con 2012. Anderson spoke about stepping onto the set as a young actor, and marveling at the green skied cyclorama and massive underbelly of the spaceship set (the C-57D).

The C-57D Blaster.
Sitting next to Charlie Bucket’s ‘golden ticket’ at the Profiles in History booth of San Diego Comic Con 2018 is the only prop I’ve yet seen from “Forbidden Planet” (other than a Robby the Robot at a Los Angeles restaurant that dubiously claimed to the original); a screen-used ‘blaster,’ which was used the crew of the C-57D, including ‘Commander JJ Adams’ (Leslie Nielsen, in defense of costar Anne Francis). This was the ‘hero’ version of the prop, meaning it had the necessary detail for closeup shots, including lights to cue FX artists when to insert hand-animated energy beams. Background characters would get a less-detailed version without the glowing-tipped muzzle.

“Star Trek” (1966-present)

Having attended a number of dedicated Star Trek events such as Star Trek Las Vegas, Star Trek: The Experience (1998-2008), and Star Trek: The Exhibition (2008), I’ve seen more original Star Trek props, costumes, miniatures, and set pieces than from any other major entertainment franchise. I’ve been a fan of Star Trek since I was a kid growing up in the mid-1970s, but I only attended my first sci-fi convention at the tender age of 34 (at my wife’s urging). It was a Star Trek-heavy convention called Sci-Fi Grand Slam, held in Pasadena back in 2001. Once there, I realized I’d found my lost tribe. I instantly regretted those times I avoided sci-fi conventions, since I grew up in an age where being a sci-fi geek was still stigmatized. Most of the following photos are from the now-defunct Star Trek: The Exhibition in Long Beach, as well as San Diego Comic Con and Star Trek Las Vegas.

A screen-used TOS-era phaser pistol.
From San Diego Comic Con 2018, at the Profiles in History booth.
This was the ‘non-hero’ phaser pistol, meaning it’s a non-detachable piece (no Type-1 mini-phaser, just a pistol). The tip doesn’t light up for FX artists, either. You can also see wood grain and paint on the grip. One of the dead giveaways of older screen-used props vs. high end replicas & collectibles is that the real props are often less-refined, as they were made for smaller TVs with lower resolution.
TOS Star Trek uniforms worn by Lt. Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) and Captain Kirk (William Shatner).
The colors were surprisingly vibrant for the then 42-year old costumes (these photos were taken in 2008). They were impeccably tailored, too; even up close. These (and most of the following photos) were from Star Trek: The Exhibition, in Long Beach, California.
TOS Star Trek uniforms of Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and Dr. Leonard McCoy (De Forest Kelley).
McCoy’s short-sleeved sickbay scrubs looked as shiny in person as they did onscreen. You could also see the zipper on Spock’s shoulder, used to ease the actor out of his costume without disrupting his Vulcan makeup.
Captain Archer’s (Scott Bakula) jumpsuit from Star Trek: Enterprise (2001-2005) and a TOS Klingon uniform.
I didn’t get as good a look at Archer’s NASA-style uniform, as I was more fascinated by the fabrics and materials used in the exotic Klingon costume, which included a piece of clear plastic bubble wrap on the belt (!). I suppressed the urge to pop it.
Left: One of the biohazard suits worn by Spock and crewman ‘Joe Tormolen’ (Stuart Ross) in the TOS episode “The Naked Time. Right: Actor Ted Cassidy’s costume for the TOS episode “What Are Little Girls Made Of?” where he played the murderous android “Ruk.” Looks like he was using the costume to steal pillows from a fancy hotel…
Left: Scotty’s engineering radiation suit and Admiral Kirk’s uniform (Right) from “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” (1979). These costumes from Robert Fletcher (1922-2021) show incredible detail, though the shoes on Kirk’s uniform appear to be borrowed, since the shoes in the film were actually gray, and matched the pant legs.
(Left to Right): Kirk’s standard uniform from “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” Klingon armory, including some bat’leths and Gorkon’s walking tusk from “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.” Further down, you’ll see a uniform from “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” and Jeri Ryan’s infamous ‘Seven of Nine’ catsuit from “Star Trek: Voyager” (1995-2001).
From “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.”
Left: ‘Khan’ actor Ricardo Montalban’s exile costume, including repurposed wires and ciruitry as jewelry, with a half-broken Starfleet emblem pendant. Right: Admiral Kirk’s redesigned uniform, also designed by Robert Fletcher (TMP), which went for a deliberately nautical feel. In my teens, I still remember seeing the costume in early stills leaked from the movie, and my first reaction was that it looked Kirk was captaining a U-boat.
The actual travel pod miniature used in “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” (1979) and “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” (1986).
In person, the miniature appeared to be roughly 3-4 feet (over a meter) in length.
One of the miniatures of the USS Excelsior, first seen in “Star Trek III: The Search For Spock” (1984), but with the smaller bridge module seen in “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” (1991). The model was repurposed many times in various Star Trek series, including a stint as the USS Lakota on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (“Paradise Lost”). Two models of the ship were built; including a 7 ft. (2 meter) version and a 3 ft. (1 meter) version; this was the 3 footer.
This was the shooting miniature of the USS Enterprise-C from Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s “Yesterday’s Enterprise.”
Like the USS Excelsior model, it too, was repurposed for other Star Treks, including its last appearance as the USS Yamaguchi from the Deep Space Nine pilot, “Emissary.” Around the late-1990s, Star Trek productions began using increasing numbers of computer-generated ships and visual effects, making motion-control models like these more or less obsolete. This photo was taken at San Diego Comic Con, 2015.
A wall of starship miniatures from Star Trek: The Exhibition.
So many ships! I can’t even name them all, but some of the more recognizable ships include the Ressikan probe (TNG’s “The Inner Light”), the USS Farragut (“Generations”), Klingon V’orcha class ship, the Constellation-class USS Stargazer (doubled for the USS Hathaway and others), the freighter Souza (Deep Space Nine) and the Edo ‘god ship’ (TNG’s “Justice”). The Excelsior miniature is at the bottom, too.
The large USS Enterprise shuttlecraft built for “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier” (1989).
Not my favorite Star Trek movie, though I love the shuttlecraft model, which was later reused for Star Trek: The Next Generation. In person, the little shuttle was quite large, around 3 feet long (1 meter), since it was built for big screen scrutiny.
The saucer section of the USS Enterprise-D that was built for the crash sequence of “Star Trek: Generations” (1994).
This sucker was huge in person; about 12 ft in width (3.6 meters). To the right, you can see pre-photon torpedoes from “Star Trek: Enterprise.” From Star Trek: The Exhibit, February 2008.
The USS Enterprise-B‘s captain’s chair from “Star Trek: Generations” (1994).
I love the dark teal coloring. I have an unusually strong affection for that movie that I can’t fully justify. To the right is part of a Breen soldier costume from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. From Star Trek: The Exhibit, February 2008.
The costumes of Zefram Cochrane (James Cromwell) and Lily Sloane (Alfre Woodard) from “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996). Wish the lighting on the costumes wasn’t so garish. Simple white halogen spotlights would’ve better allowed the costume’s natural colors to be seen. This photo was taken at Star Trek Las Vegas 2017.
The remnants of the Borg Queen’s spine and skull, from “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996).
This was the onscreen prop that Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) snaps with extreme prejudice. This photo was taken at Star Trek Las Vegas 2017.
Disassembled parts of the Soong-class android ‘B-4’ (Brent Spiner), from “Star Trek: Nemesis” (2002).
Once again, the movie wasn’t a favorite of mine, but I love how the animatronic head nicely captures Brent Spiner’s expressiveness. This photo was taken at Star Trek: The Exhibit.
Thruster suit for Commander Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) in Star Trek: Discovery (“The Vulcan Hello”).
While the upper torso of the suit appears very bulky, the leggings and gloves are surprisingly slim; much like the spacesuits of TOS Star Trek’s “The Tholian Web.” This photo was taken at the improvised ‘Star Trek: Museum’ (an art gallery) in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, near the Convention Center, during San Diego Comic Con 2017.
From “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.”
The reimagined Starfleet uniforms for Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding), Number One (Rebecca Romijn) and Spock (Ethan Peck). Nice redesign of the TOS uniforms with a bit of retro-futurism. Taken at a ‘Star Trek Museum’ booth during San Diego Comic Con 2023.

“Planet of the Apes” (1968)

“Planet of the Apes” was my first hardcore movie franchise love in the days before “Star Wars” changed the landscape of sci-fi/fantasy films. The early 1970s was a time when most sci-fi movies were dark, but imaginative dystopias, and “Apes” star Charlton Heston was a one-man dystopia machine (“Soylent Green” “The Omega Man”). I was a major fan of the “Apes” movies (1968-1973), as well as the short-lived TV series (1974) and even the animated Saturday morning cartoon (1975). However, I’ve only seen one screen-used prop from “Planet of the Apes” in person, but it was a memorable one.

“The Lawgiver” statue, as seen in 1968’s “Planet of the Apes,” as well as its 1970 sequel, “Beneath the Planet of the Apes.”
I have to admit, when I first saw this statue at San Diego Comic Con 2019, I assumed it was made for the convention. However, upon closer inspection, I read on the placard that it was the original prop used for the films, and was from the estate of the late entertainer, Sammy Davis Jr., who was a huge fan of the “Planet of the Apes” franchise.

“2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968)

One of my favorite movies of all time (sci-fi or not), I’ve been fortunate to see two limited theatrical screenings of “2001: A Space Odyssey,” despite being born only a year and a half before its 1968 debut. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting actors Keir Dullea (“David Bowman”) and Gary Lockwood (“Frank Poole”) at my second sci-fi convention (the Pasadena Grand Slam of 2002). However, it was during a by-appointment trip to Los Angeles’s Academy Museum of Motion Pictures where I would see both a screen-used miniature and costume from the movie. These were extremely rare, since director Stanley Kubrick famously ordered all props, sets and costumes from the movie destroyed, so that no other production could use them. This meant that all sets, miniatures and costumes seen in “2010: The Year We Make Contact” (1984) has to be recreated from scratch using frame blowups.

Top/Bottom: The Aries 1-B lunar shuttle; the vehicle that ferried Dr. Floyd from the Hilton Space Station to the lunar base at Clavius. This rather hefty miniature was around 30″ (76 cm) in diameter. The Academy museum subtly lit the model from its interior and exterior; showcasing its fine surface detail. When I came home that evening, I matched my own photos to some screen grabs from the movie, and the burn marks around the thrusters matched; confirming this was indeed the actual shooting miniature from the film.
Top/Middle/Bottom: A closeup of the lunar EVA spacesuit worn by Heywood Floyd (William Sylvester) and his team on the moon. Another extremely rare piece, since the spacesuits were presumed destroyed as well. The lunar EVA suit is more or less identical to those used by actors Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood aboard the Jupiter-bound spaceship Discovery-One during the middle and final acts of the film, except in color. Unlike Discovery-One‘s multicolored EVA suits, the lunar spacesuits were silver and gray, with a blue life-support apparatus. The labels on the life-support packs are in keeping with Kubrick’s insistence that the movie’s space science be given absolute authenticity, even though none of these details are visible (even on a large screen), though it’s oddly reassuring to know they’re there. This suit and the Aries-1B miniature came from private collectors.

“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971)

A beloved fantasy film which I remember seeing on TV sometime in the mid 1970s, after reading Roald Dahl‘s classic 1964 source book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” in the fourth grade. “Willy Wonka…” costumes and props were on display at San Diego Comic Con 2012 in the ‘Profiles in History’ auction house booth; the proprietors of which used to have a short-lived TV series on the SyFy cable network called “Hollywood Treasure” (2010), which my wife and I loved.

Screen-used Willy Wonka costume, worn by the late Gene Wilder (1933-2016) for 1971’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” The Profiles in History auction’s asking price was $60-$80,000. I can’t even imagine what it’d go for now.
Willy Wonka’s universal key to his chocolate factory, as well as screen-used Golden Tickets and Wonka Chocolate bars, some of which were from the 2005 remake “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which I despised. I’ll stick with the 1971 version, thanks.
The Golden Egg coveted by ‘Veruca Salt’ (Julie Dawn Cole) and laid by one of the giant geese at Wonka’s factory, as well as a Wonka Scrumdidilyumptious bar; both props are from the 1971 version of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

“Wonder Woman” (1975-1979)

At the tender age of nine or so, actress Lynda Carter helped to jumpstart my preadolescent self into an early puberty with her starring role as the gorgeous Amazonian superhero, “Wonder Woman,” which I’d watch on TV every now and then as a youngster, not fully grasping the effect she had on me at the time. Now, as an old man pushing sixty, I look upon my boyhood Lynda Carter crush with fondness and complete understanding. It was at San Diego Comic Con 2016 (the year I turned fifty) that I saw Lynda Carter’s original, screen-used costume behind glass.

Faded memories of a boyhood crush.
Lynda Carter’s screen-used Wonder Woman costume from 1975. The once blue-striped cape and blue star-spangled shorts were turning purple with age, but otherwise the costume was still in great shape. Ahhh, memories…

“Star Wars” (1977-present)

The summer of 1977 would change my life forever, when my kid sister and I went with family friends to see George Lucas’ then-new space opus “Star Wars”(with no silly “A New Hope” added, either). The unprecedented visual effects imagery and stirring John Williams’ music from that movie would fill my head for the next 48 years. While I would collect toys, books, model kits, soundtracks and trading cards from the movies for years afterward, I never imagined that someday I would see actual props, miniatures and costumes pieces from these films; which felt like they were forever locked “in a galaxy far, far away…”

Top/Bottom: The first spaceship seen in the opening of Star Wars (1977) was the Tantive IV; a diplomatic vessel belonging to Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher). I saw this miniature behind glass at San Diego Comic Con 2015. This was the smaller of two models built, approximately 20″ (50 cm). You could tell this wasn’t the ‘hero’ version from its level of detail, which was somewhat less than I expected. This smaller version was used for scale shots with the screen-filling Imperial Star Destroyer in the movie’s opening. The photos were taken at the Profiles in History booth at San Diego Comic Con 2015.
Top/Bottom: Screen-used R2-D2 costume worn by actor Kenny Baker (1934-2016) in “Return of the Jedi” (1983). These photos were taken at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, where my wife and I had to make an appointment to visit. The nice thing about the museum as opposed to a crowded convention is that you could take your time and take all the photos you want, without crowds of fans elbowing you to move along. There was some dirt and grit to the costume, which only added to its authenticity. Some of its panels looked slightly less symmetrical than the perfected remote-controlled fan recreations I see at conventions these days.
Top/Middle/Bottom: Detailed front and back photos of the ‘C3PO’ costume worn by actor Anthony Daniels in “Return of the Jedi.” (1983). I would meet the actor a few months later at Star Wars Celebration 2022. It was seeing an image of C3PO on a 1977 cover of “People” magazine that finally convinced my ten-year old self that I needed to see this film by any means necessary; even if most of my family shared little of my nerdy interest in science fiction. From the Academy Museum.
A screen-used “Darth Vader” helmet, as worn by actor Dave Prowse (1935-2020) in “Return of the Jedi.”
The helmet had some wear and tear, but was still amazing to see in person. This photo was taken at San Diego Comic Con 2018.
A Darth Vader helmet, with C3PO’s mask & gloves; from my personal favorite Star Wars movie, “The Empire Strikes Back.” Interesting to note the subtle differences between Vader’s masks between films, as they were hand-sculpted in those days. In 2005’s “Revenge of the Sith“ the Darth Vader mask was machined to be completely symmetrical on both sides. From San Diego Comic Con 2015.
An intact X-wing fighter miniature and Luke Skywalker’s legacy lightsaber; both from the original 1977 movie, later rechristened “Episode IV: A New Hope” in 1981 for rerelease, after the 1980 release of “Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.” From San Diego Comic Con, 2018.
An original TIE fighter miniature, built for the original film during FX shooting at ILM’s original Van Nuys facility, circa 1976. It was somewhat larger than I expected; over 30″ tall (76 cm). From San Diego Comic Con 2018.
Long-sleeved jacket worn by Han Solo (Harrison Ford) in “The Empire Strikes Back.” From San Diego Comic Con 2018, I think (?).
Screen-used Imperial Scout Trooper helmet from “Return of the Jedi,” and a screen-used Imperial TIE fighter helmet from “A New Hope.” San Diego Comic Con 2017.
A screen-used Imperial Stormtrooper helmet (below left), and simulated scar makeup pieces from the unmasked ‘Anakin Skywalker’ (Sebastian Shaw) in “Return of the Jedi.” Above these pieces are an unused prototype Cylon helmet from 1978’s “Battlestar Galactica” (Top Left), and its final screen-used version (Top, Right). From San Diego Comic Con 2015
C3PO’s gloves and a red “Imperial Guard” helmet; both from “Return of the Jedi.” A cast-and-crew autographed First Order Stormtrooper helmet, as seen in “The Force Awakens” (2015). From San Diego Comic Con, 2017.
Deceptively simple, yet strategically-draped robes, tunic, trousers, belt and boots worn by actor Ewan McGregor as the titular character in the Disney+ Star Wars prequel miniseries “Obi-Wan Kenobi” (2022). The screen-used lightsaber prop is visible as well. From Star Wars Celebration 2022 in Anaheim.

“Superman: The Movie” (1978)

The defining superhero movie of my generation, and the movie that made my then 12-year old self “believe a man could fly.” No superhero before or since would ever capture the epic feel and majesty of that first “Superman” film, as directed by Richard Donner (1930-2021), and starring the inimitable Christopher Reeve (1952-2004), Margot Kidder (1948-2017), Marlon Brando (1924-2004) and Gene Hackman (1930-2025). I’ve only seen a few screen-used pieces from the movie, but here they are…

Christopher Reeve‘s slightly-faded but otherwise surprisingly well-kept Superman costume from 1978, along with a screen-used chunk of deadly ‘Kryptonite’ used in that film as well. From the Profiles in History booth at San Diego Comic Con 2012.
The reflective costume worn by “Jor-El” (Marlon Brando) in “Superman” and some additional scenes shot for “Superman II” (1981) that eventually found their way back into “Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut” (2006), which is my preferred cut of that film, despite its limitations. The costume was coated with a gray, luminous glass-like material with reflective properties that is used in making highway signs. From San Diego Comic Con 2012.

Note: Forgive the photobomb by Johnny Depp‘s screen-used costume for 1990’s “Edward Scissorhands.” Given the elbowing of the large crowds at San Diego Comic Con, you take whatever shot you can take; ideal or not. The Depp costume deserves its own spotlight someday.

“ALIEN” (1979)

I’ve only seen a couple of screen-used pieces from Sir Ridley Scott‘s masterpiece of sci-fi/horror, but they were certainly memorable and iconic, particularly the bulky EVA suit worn by the late great Sir John Hurt (1940-2017), whom I’d meet several years later at a Doctor Who convention in Los Angeles.

The Nostromo EVA suit worn by First Officer Kane (Sir John Hurt) on the surface of LV-246; with the intact version of the later-compromised helmet. Taken at the Propstore.com booth at San Diego Comic Con, 2012
According to the placard at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, this was a screen-used “ALIEN” mask and headpiece designed by H.R. Tiger and worn by actor Bolaji Badejo in the first film, but without the smooth cowl to mask the creature’s eye sockets and nose bridge. When I didn’t see the familiar cowl, I incorrectly assumed this was an unused prototype. It wasn’t. This was the screen-used head piece.

“Blade Runner” (1982)

Speaking of Sir Ridley Scott, this makes for a nice segue into “Blade Runner”; a movie whose production design creates a fully-tactile, hellish universe that feels as real as if it were shot in that alternate “Blade Runner” timeline of 2019 Los Angeles. Given the current political climate here in the United States, I’m not sure if that nightmarish, toxic future threatened by deadly AI wasn’t simply delayed by a couple of decades? Anyway, I’ve seen two screen-used pieces from the film.

The actual shirt worn by the 1982 movie’s titular ‘Blade Runner,’ Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford). According to Cinefantastique magazine’s 1982 double issue chronicling the making of the movie (which I still own a tattered copy of), Deckard’s look was loosely inspired by English singer Elvis Costello. From the Live Auction Booth at San Diego Comic Con 2018.
A screen-used “Vid-Phon’ prop from the film, with a (once) working rear-projection screen, as demonstrated when Deckard calls Rachel (Sean Young) during the movie. The vid-phon was of the movie’s predictions that more or less came true, though today’s tiny, wireless ‘vid-phones’ actually fit in our pockets. Still waiting on those Spinners, though. From the Academy Museum.

“Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984)

While my wife is certain we both saw Indiana Jones’ famous fedora, I can’t seem to find a photo of it anywhere in my photo libraries. At any rate, I was able to find a photo of Indy’s trusted whip…

‘Through a glass and darkly’, I saw Harrison Ford‘s screen-used whip from “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984). What caught my attention even more was a screen-used helmet worn by Bill Campbell in the ridiculously underrated “The Rocketeer” (1991); a movie I’ve had mad love for these past three decades. From the Live Auction Booth at San Diego Comic Con 2017.

“Spaceballs” (1987)

Mel Brooks‘ lighthearted spoof of the Star Wars movies is one of those many movies I can only enjoy with my wife at my side, since it’s one of ‘our’ movies. Can’t watch it alone. At San Diego Comic Con, I’ve seen two miniatures and a mask from the film.

The modified-for-spaceflight version of a 1986 Winnebago Chieftain 33, Eagle 5.
This is the screen-used RV camper/starship of hero “Lonestar” (Bill Pullman) and his sidekick “Barf” (John Candy). The miniature appeared to be just under 3 feet long or so (less than 1 meter). I was impressed to see the headlights still worked; or had been replaced for display. From San Diego Comic Con 2015.
On the left is a miniature used in the temple of wizened sage ‘Yogurt’ (Mel Brooks); just plain Yogurt. On the right is the “Dot Matrix” mask worn by mime/actress Lorene Yarnell (voiced by the late comedian Joan Rivers). From San Diego Comic Con 2018

Tim Burton’s “Batman” movies (1989-1992)

While I’ve seen many screen-used Batman costumes at sci-fi/fantasy conventions over the years, this column is already running at crazy-length, so I’ll keep this section down to the two pieces I’ve seen from the Tim Burton “Batman” flicks, “Batman” (1989) and “Batman Returns” (1992).

Actor Michael Keaton‘s screen-used costume from the first “Batman” (1989) movie.
The sequel’s version of the costume would be made more flexible with a movable neck and less hardened chest piece, but this was version used in the first of Burton’s two “Batman” films. From San Diego Comic Con 2012
Michelle Pfeiffer‘s screen-used “Catwoman” cowl from 1992’s “Batman Returns.”
The crude simulated stitching gives the appearance of a costume haphazardly put together by a character who’s undergoing a radical personality shift, which is consistent with Selena Kyle’s transformation from mousy secretary to street avenger. From the Live Auction booth at San Diego Comic Con 2017

“Back to the Future Part 2” (1989)

I’ve seen countless prop, costume and vehicle replicas from the popular sci-fi comedy starring Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd, particularly at 2019’s NostalgiaCon80s in Anaheim, but actual screen-used pieces were a bit less common…

A Mattel Hoverboard, as used by Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) in “Back to the Future, Part 2” (1989).
The prop was so popular that fans actually wondered if Mattel had secretly produced a working model. Sadly, real-world hoverboards were nothing but gyroscopic skateboards. Beneath the hoverboard is a clapboard used during the filming of Steven Spielberg’s classic, “JAWS”(1975). To the left, you can also catch a sliver of “Back to the Future 2″‘s infamous, timeline-changing “Gray’s Sports Almanac.” From the Profiles in History booth at San Diego Comic Con 2018.
A miniature flying DeLorean created by ILM for “Back to the Future Part 2.”
The real car’s stainless steel surface was dulled down to gray so that the miniature wouldn’t reflect the blue screens used for its motion-control photography. This photo was taken at San Diego Comic Con 2015–the same year as the “future” seen in the film. To the right of the DeLorean is a screen-used Y-wing fighter from 1977’s “Star Wars.” From the Live Auction Booth at San Diego Comic Con 2015.

“Robocop 2” (1990)

Sandwiched between costumes for “Firefly” antihero Mal Reynolds and a possible “Catwoman” is actor Peter Weller‘s screen-used costume for “Robocop 2” (1990); the admittedly lesser sequel to the 1987 sci-fi satire classic, “Robocop.” Even before I read the placard, I recognized this as the sequel’s Robocop costume from its brighter, pearlescent color scheme; a change used only once for the Irvin Kirshner-directed sequel. From the Live Auction booth at San Diego Comic Con 2017.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

The Henry Selick-directed film of Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is easily my favorite holiday movie, and favorite animated film as well. At San Diego Comic Con 2018, I had the privilege of attending the movie’s then-silver anniversary panel, which was moderated by Neil Gaiman (“Sandman” “Good Omens”) with director Selick in attendance, as well as stop-motion animator Anthony Scott, editor Edie Ichioka (who had a voice cameo as well), animator director Bill Boes, and art director Kelly Asbury (who is now an animated feature director as well). After the panel, I managed to get two photos of an actual piece of “Halloween Town”…

Top/Bottom: After a “The Nightmare Before Christmas” 25th anniversary panel at San Diego Comic Con 2018, the movie’s stop-motion animation director Bill Boes presented a special treat for the panel audience; an actual surviving piece of the movie’s Halloween Town, made back in 1992. After the panel, Boes graciously agreed to turn the model around for me to photograph it from both sides, this allowed me to see, as Boes joked, its ‘high-tech’ construction of cardboard and hot glue (!).  I told him that my wife teaches animation (including stop-motion), and I thought she’d get a kick out of seeing that. He delightfully obliged!

“X-Men” (2000) & “X2: X-Men United” (2002)

Owning up to the fact that I’m not the biggest “X-Men” movies fan ever (as I kid, I was more into “SpiderMan,” “Hulk” and “Fantastic Four”), I still enjoy Marvel’s famed dysfunctional superheroes enough to appreciate seeing these screen-used pieces from the movies, including the cape and helmet worn by “Magneto” (Ian McKellen), the wheelchair prop used by “Professor Xavier” (Patrick Stewart) and the costume worn by no-less than “Wolverine” himself (Hugh Jackman). From the Profiles in History Booth at San Diego Comic Con 2012
Top/Bottom: The massive 11 foot (3.3 meter) ‘miniature’ (I hesitate using that word for something so big) of the X-Men’s modified X-15 jet. I’m not 100% certain this was a screen-used miniature (or max-iature?), but it was too impressive not to include in this column. From the Live Auction Booth at San Diego Comic Con 2015.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” (2024)

Screen-used costumes for “Deadpool“ (Ryan Reynolds), his faithful pet “Dogpool” (Peggy), and a returning “Wolverine” (Hugh Jackman) were major draws at the Marvel Booth from San Diego Comic Con 2024. I’ve seen so many screen-used Marvel costumes that I could devote an entire column to that specific topic.

“Captain America: Brave New World” (2025)

Last summer’s San Diego Comic Con had an extensive collection of Marvel costumes and props (as mentioned above), including two Captain America costumes for actor Anthony Mackie. I haven’t seen the film as of this writing, but I plan to as soon as time permits. I just have to see Harrison Ford as Red Hulk…I mean, c’mon.

“The Martian” (2015)

One of my favorite books and movies of the past 20 years, author Andy Weir‘s story of stranded astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) struggling to survive alone on Mars for 549 Martian days (Sols) is both epic and intimate. Director Ridley Scott gave fans a welcome respite from the tired ALIEN franchise to will Weir’s book into cinematic life. Matt Damon’s performance is summoned straight from the pages of Weir’s book. And while I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Andy Weir on several occasions, I’ve also had a chance to see one of the movie’s creations firsthand as well.

The spacesuit worn by actor Matt Damon in 2015’s “The Martian.” This was clearly not the slimmer orange and white EVA suit worn by the actor in the movie’s simulated Mars environments (which included beautiful desert locales in Jordan); it’s the bulkier suit Damon wears in space during the movie’s climax. Tangentially, I can’t wait to see the movie of Weir’s novel “Project Hail Mary” starring Ryan Gosling when it comes to theaters in March of 2026. I don’t go to the movies much these days, but I will force my lazy ass out of my home office and into a cinema for that one. Photo from San Diego Comic Con 2017

“Doctor Who” (1963-present)

As a fan of the Doctor Who franchise since my first exposure to the non-canonical Peter Cushing movies, I later got into the Tom Baker stories when they came to American Public Television in the late 1970s. Since then, I’ve become a fully-fledged Whovian, right down to collecting some of the old Target paperback adaptations and a few original Big Finish audio dramas. I also appreciate what Ncuti Gatwa has brought to the role, so I thought it fitting to end this monstrously-huge column with a bit of love for the Doctor. Here in North America, we don’t see a lot of original Doctor Who prop/costume pieces, but I have seen a few…

One of my photos of the actual TARDIS control console used 1996’s “Doctor Who: The TV Movie” (which was shot in Vancouver). The console, originally used by 8th Doctor Paul McGann, was lovingly restored by fans in 2011 and brought to Los Angeles in 2014 in time for the “Gallifrey One” Doctor Who convention at the L.A. Marriott. The neon lighting worked, as did the other lights and dials on the console. It looked ready for flight. The coolest part was that unlike other screen-used items I’ve seen at conventions? I was able to touch it.
Costumes for the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and his companion ‘Ruby Sunday’ (Millie Gibson) as seen in the recent episode “73 Yards.” Photo from San Diego Comic Con 2023.

More to come…?

If you’ve enjoyed this column’s subject, I’d be more than willing to do a Part Deux someday, since there’s plenty of material in my photo archives; including more screen-used Marvel and Star Wars props/costumes, as well as a gallery of “Lord of the Rings” costume photos my wife has taken. Take care!

All images: Author

10 Comments Add yours

  1. Paul Bowler says:
    April 13, 2025 at 2:15 am

    Oh my word, this looks amazing! Love seeing all the props, models, and costumes from so many sci-fi greats here. What an incredible exhibition. Nice to see a close up of the model of the Excelsior, don’t think I’ve ever seen one before!

    Reply
    1. A Middle Aged Geek says:
      April 13, 2025 at 6:47 am

      Thanks, Paul. Glad you enjoyed that ginormous column (haha).

      And yes, that particular Excelsior model was smaller than I expected (about 3 ft), but surprisingly detailed. I really enjoy taking my time in looking over the incredible craftsmanship of miniatures, and the Star Trek Exhibit was feast for the eyes.

      Reply
      1. scifimike70 says:
        April 14, 2025 at 9:21 am

        I remember at one time in a Canadian science museum seeing models of the Enterprise and (if I recall correctly) the Millennium Falcon. Feasts for the eyes indeed.

      2. A Middle Aged Geek says:
        April 14, 2025 at 6:35 pm

        Oh wow! Did you get any pics? I’d love to see that.

      3. scifimike70 says:
        April 14, 2025 at 7:15 pm

        Sadly no. There’s also a model Enterprise at an uptown cinema that I might take a snapshot of at some point.

      4. A Middle Aged Geek says:
        April 14, 2025 at 7:39 pm

        If you do, I’d love to see it. 🙂

  2. Adam S says:
    April 13, 2025 at 4:00 pm

    The disassembled soong type android was from
    Nemesis , not insurrection.

    Reply
    1. A Middle Aged Geek says:
      April 13, 2025 at 8:19 pm

      Ah, you’re absolutely right. My mistake. Thank you!

      Reply
  3. firemandk says:
    April 14, 2025 at 1:21 am

    Neat column ! Fun fact : Disney sound man and second voice of Mickey Mouse Jimmy MacDonald did the electronic propulsion sound for the Nautilus and also hummed the song that was dubbed into the scene where Kirk Douglas is throwing the bottles out of the hatch….. if you have not watched the documentary about him which also includes the late Wayne Allwine ( disney soundman and third voice of MM) on Youtube, it is a must see!

    Reply
    1. A Middle Aged Geek says:
      April 14, 2025 at 7:05 am

      Think I saw that doc on the 2-disc DVD; it had a TON of bonus content. The sound of the Nautilus’ atomic reactor kinda reminded me of the ‘caterpillar drive’ sound of the stealth Soviet sub in “The Hunt for Red October,” too.

      Reply

Leave a Reply