It’s interesting to learn about what happened to iconic movie characters like Falkor from “The NeverEnding Story,” E.T. from “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” and Kermit the Frog after their respective films were made.
In contemporary cinema, filmmakers often resort to Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) to bring monsters or adorable creatures to life on the big screen. However, this isn’t a hard rule; occasionally, we witness practical creations like Grogu from “The Mandalorian.” Although uncommon, such characters are meticulously crafted by artists and technicians collaboratively. Before CGI dominated the scene, traditional puppetry was a common approach, but it has largely been overshadowed due to technological advancements. Nonetheless, the films produced prior to this shift showcased some awe-inspiring character designs through the collective efforts of filmmakers and visual effects artists.
Regrettably, many beloved movie characters from our past no longer hold the same appeal as they once did. Some were unfortunately abandoned after production wrapped up, while others found new homes in private collections. If you have the means, you can own a piece of cinematic history, but it doesn’t come cheaply. For instance, memorabilia from iconic films like “Gremlins” can fetch hefty prices when they go up for auction.
Despite the passage of time, certain beloved characters from the 1970s and ’80s continue to thrive. Some have found new homes in museums or with private collectors, while others have lain forgotten in airport luggage storage for decades. Regardless of their current whereabouts, these practical creations remain among the most significant figures in cinematic history.
Bruce from Jaws went from a junkyard to a museum
Among film characters, few hold as much significance as the menacing mechanical shark named Bruce from “Jaws.” Introduced in this iconic 1975 release, Bruce may not be adorable or endearing, but he played a pivotal role in ushering in the era of summer blockbusters. Upon its premiere, “Jaws” surpassed all previous box office records and stood as the highest-grossing film until then.
Bruce is a intricately crafted marionette, with a total of three versions produced for the film. The scarcity of shark appearances in the movie can be attributed to both heightening suspense and technical difficulties. When production concluded, all three puppets were dismantled. However, following the film’s success, Universal requested a fourth Bruce from the original mold. After spending 15 years on display at Universal Studios Hollywood, Bruce eventually wound up in a junkyard.
I’ve been a fan of Bruce for over two decades, hidden away in a junkyard. But time took its toll, and by 2016, I could no longer pride myself on his pristine condition. Fortunately, the Motion Picture Academy Museum came to the rescue. They graciously received Bruce as a donation from the junkyard’s owner and began an extensive restoration process.
One puppet from Mac and Me survived
After the massive box office success of “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” with its adorable alien character, other studios jumped on the bandwagon, attempting to replicate that achievement. However, most of these attempts fell flat, and “Mac and Me” (1988) is a prime example of a failed attempt. Despite being panned by critics as one of the worst films ever produced, it has earned a niche in popular culture due to a memorable running gag between Paul Rudd and Conan O’Brien.
Rudd frequently plays back clips from this notoriously terrible film during his appearances on O’Brien’s show, thereby increasing its popularity among viewers. Despite its poor quality, the movie has earned a following as a campy cult classic, mainly due to its endearing alien puppet character. Surprisingly, one of these puppets made it off-set and survived filming.
As a passionate fan of all things mysterious and otherworldly, I can’t help but be intrigued by the solitary surviving Mysterious Alien Creature (MAC) puppet held by Hollywood History. This esteemed company specializes in acquiring and selling movie memorabilia to avid collectors. Yet, it seems that no collector has yet claimed this unique piece of cinematic history.
Chucky from Child’s Play sold at auction for $159,375
In the 1980s, I was captivated by the phenomenon of Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. This fascination inspired screenwriter Don Mancini to pen a chilling script about a malevolent doll. The doll bore resemblance to the My Buddy line, and thus emerged Chucky, the menacing antagonist in “Child’s Play.” The first film hit theaters in 1988, despite its cheesy charm, it has since grown into a beloved cult classic.
As a dedicated fan of the “Child’s Play” franchise, I can’t help but marvel at how the story has blossomed into an extensive collection of films. The infamous Chucky is more than just a cute toy; he embodies evil in its most chilling form. Belying his innocent appearance, this doll is far from harmless – he’s a relentless psychopath with an insatiable thirst for blood and destruction.
In Heritage Auctions, you can acquire a prop used in the movie prior to Chucky’s transformation from endearing doll to terrifying killer. The price for this unique item is set at a minimum of $159,375. This prop was previously sold in March 2024 for $106,250. If you have the financial means and are willing to bring home this possessed demonic doll, owning an original Chucky can be yours – but remember, keep him securely stored.
Harry from Harry and the Hendersons was sold at auction
In 1987, the comedy film “Harry and the Hendersons” tells the story of a family who discover a sasquatch they name Harry. The movie is distinguished by Harry’s unique design, which combined puppetry, animatronics, and a stunt performer in a suit. Through intricately synchronized movements of Harry’s facial features using puppetry, Rick Baker, a renowned makeup effects artist, earned one of his seven Academy Awards for Best Makeup.
Renowned for his contributions to “An American Werewolf in London,” Baker meticulously crafted numerous heads, costumes, limbs, and a muscle suit for the movie. Unfortunately, not all of Harry’s parts have endured through time. Two auctions emerged online in 2015 and 2022, respectively. The initial auction featured a head, hands, feet, and muscle suit. The bidding war concluded at $10,200 – surpassing the predicted value of $6,000.
In the 2022 auction, Harry’s prosthetic head used for action sequences in the movie went under the hammer. This unique piece, which originally lacked a nose, was restored alongside its creation. The bidding war ended at an impressive $8,125, exceeding the predicted price tag of $7,000. It is believed that there might be more Harry-related artifacts in existence; however, they are most likely kept in private collections.
Vermithrax Pejorative from Dragonslayer was listed at auction
As a dedicated gamer and film enthusiast, I can tell you that long before state-of-the-art VFX artists breathed life into dragons through CGI technology, filmmakers had to get creative with various techniques to bring these magnificent creatures to the big screen. Throughout cinematic history, numerous dragon films have graced us with their presence, but none quite compare to Vermithrax Pejorative from the legendary 1981 production “Dragonslayer.” Not only does this dragon boast an exceptionally badass moniker, but it also holds a special place in our hearts for being one of the most iconic screen dragons preceding the digital age.
Guillermo del Toro, an accomplished director known for crafting captivating monsters, shared with Coming Soon his deep affection for Vermithrax Pejorative, stating it’s “one of the most flawlessly designed cinematic dragons ever produced.” Vermithrax was brought to life through a combination of go-motion, model building, and puppetry. The intention was to reveal as minimal of the creature as possible to conceal the mechanisms that animated it.
The fate of most of the miniature dragon puppets from the film is uncertain; only one, with signs of decay, was put up for auction at Propstore in the U.K. This specific puppet, valued between £30,000 and £50,000 ($38,500 – $64,000), is one of two created for flying scenes but has yet to be sold. Thus, a fortunate collector might eventually acquire it for their collection.
Johnny 5 from Short Circuit went to the highest bidder
In the 1980s, films featured robots prominently, yet not all were programmed for human annihilation like the Terminator. Instead, some robots emerged as cherished characters, such as Johnny 5. The movies “Short Circuit” and its sequel showcased this military drone’s transformation into a sentient being, winning over audiences with his friendly demeanor and endearing nature, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on pop culture.
As a devoted fan, I can tell you that we’ve managed to create astonishingly accurate replicas of the iconic Johnny 5 character from the 1986 movie. From T-shirts to lunchboxes, his presence is felt far and wide. However, owning the genuine article has long been a cherished aspiration for many of us. Yet, not everyone could afford or even have the chance to obtain the original. The Johnny 5 character was brought to life on screen through large puppets fitted with remote-controlled animatronic components. Intriguingly, one such animatronic sold at auction in November 2022.
The well-preserved Johnny 5 prop from the film, displaying some signs of aging, went under the hammer for an astonishing £287,500 ($369,000). Despite some loss in functionality due to its movie history, its value as a cinematic artifact drew numerous enthusiasts. The estimated price was set at a more modest £160,000 ($205,400), making this sale an impressive achievement. Though not as lively as it once appeared on screen, the prop continues to hold significance in film history.
Gizmo from Gremlins was sold at auction
In the charismatic world of ’80s creature characters, none can rival the irresistible charm of Gizmo from “Gremlins.” Designed and brought to life by the brilliant Rick Baker, this endearing morsel of cuteness boasts large, captivating brown eyes. So enchanting was Gizmo that he served as the blueprint for the creation of the Furby, a popular animatronic talking toy from later years.
As a gamer, I can tell you that Gizmo is a charming creature with a hidden dark side. When you get him wet, he unexpectedly multiplies into numerous little “offspring.” These creatures, however, turn into mischievous and even nasty Gremlins once they’ve been fed after midnight. Despite their potential for chaos, it’s hard not to find Gizmo endearing. Toys of all sizes were made in his image, and there was an amazing Furby replica of him that was used extensively in marketing campaigns.
The original Gizmo’s fate remains unclear, but the prop Gizmo from “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” was among the animatronic props auctioned off in 2022. Contrary to expectations, this screen-used Gizmo fetched $137,500 instead of the projected $120,000 at the sale.
Yoda from The Empire Strikes Back is in a museum
In the 1980s film “The Empire Strikes Back,” when Jedi Grand Master Yoda makes his debut, he appears remarkably lifelike. Despite Yoda now being depicted through computer-generated imagery (CGI), originally, he was a puppet skillfully maneuvered by the renowned puppeteer Frank Oz. Along with him were a team of talented individuals from “The Muppet Show.”
Yoda, the iconic Star Wars character, was largely crafted as a complex hand puppet using a mold of Oz’s arm and hand as a base. This intricate puppet boasted a detachable head covering that could be swapped out when necessary. One such worn-out headpiece made its way to The Prop Gallery. Although it may appear somewhat disturbing, this authentic skin is historically significant as it was used for Yoda’s head in the movie, making it an intriguing prop filled with charm and rich history.
Another piece of Yoda survives beyond this, not just this one. At the Museum of Moving Image, there’s a Yoda figure in their collection, though it’s hidden from public view presently. This particular Yoda was crafted from the original mold, but it wasn’t featured in the movie production. Furthermore, one of Yoda’s puppet hands went under the hammer for $21,250 during an auction held in June 2022.
Godzilla is proudly displayed at Toho’s museum in Japan
Godzilla, one of cinema’s most iconic monsters, made his debut in the 1954 film “Gojira.” In contrast to today’s digital creations, Godzilla once came to life on screen through a human actor wearing a bulky costume, paving the way for the special effects genre known as suitmation.
As a dedicated gamer and fan of cinematic history, I can tell you that Godzilla left no stone unturned when it came to obliterating intricate miniature cityscapes during his epic battles against other suit actors. His destructive prowess only served to strengthen his legend in the annals of filmmaking. Toho, the esteemed Japanese production studio, has been at the helm of Godzilla’s cinematic journey since his inception. They proudly house an impressive collection of Godzilla suits, each uniquely different from one another – some subtly so, while others more dramatically – that have graced our screens throughout his numerous films.
Regrettably, a substantial number of Godzilla costumes have been ruined or deteriorated to an unidentifiable state over the past few years. At The Eiji Tsuburaya Museum, you’ll find Toho Studios’ remaining collection. However, the oldest intact costume on display dates back to the 1994 movie “Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla.” Additionally, newer suits and reproductions of earlier costumes are showcased there, including a replica of the 1954 suit from the short film “Dream Challenge: Godzilla Appears in Sukagawa.”
Howard the Duck’s head and hands made it to the block
Shockingly enough, the debut Marvel Cinematic Universe production wasn’t “X-Men” or “Blade,” but rather the 1986 movie “Howard the Duck.” Despite its critical and commercial failure, this film excelled in one particular aspect: the portrayal of its lead character. Howard was brought to life using a blend of puppetry, animatronics, and an actor donning a suit.
In the film “Howard the Duck,” a team collaborated to bring the awe-inspiring title character to life. Despite the movie’s general criticism, Howard represents an extraordinary accomplishment in terms of engineering and acting. The intricacy of the suit primarily lay within its head, as the majority of the character’s movements were operated by the actor concealed inside.
Despite the mystery surrounding the arrangement of each suit component, a particular set consisting of gloves, a neckpiece, and an animatronic costume head was put up for auction in 2022. The bidding took place for these items, none of which were in prime condition. Howard’s expression as he witnessed the sale was downright frightening. Nonetheless, being film memorabilia, the head and hands fetched $1,375 at the auction.
Hoggle from Labyrinth got lost in unclaimed baggage
Jim Henson teamed up with George Lucas in 1986 to produce “Labyrinth,” an intriguing musical fantasy film. Starring Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie, this production showcased a unique blend of humans and puppets, including Muppets, ordinary puppets, and animatronics. Despite a disappointing box office performance upon its release, “Labyrinth” has since evolved into a cherished cult classic. One of the film’s prominent characters is Hoggle, a creature brought to life by a collaborative team of five individuals. The suit actor worked on-camera, while four puppeteers skillfully manipulated Hoggle from behind the scenes.
After the shooting of his scenes wrapped up, poor Hoggle went missing during transportation. For years, he was overlooked and forgotten. It wasn’t until 2022 that an airport employee stumbled upon him in unclaimed luggage. Surprisingly, this misplaced treasure found its new home at the Museum of Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro, Alabama. However, Hoggle’s animatronic costume head was a pitiful sight – it had almost completely decayed, revealing his inner electronic and mechanical components. Thankfully, museum experts brought him back to life, restoring Hoggle to his former cinematic glory. Today, he proudly stands among other film relics on permanent display.
Falkor from The NeverEnding Story wound up in a museum
As a gamer, I’d put it this way: In “The NeverEnding Story,” I step into the shoes of Bastian, a mischievous boy who skips school and finds himself in a hideout with a stolen book. The pages come alive before my eyes as I read, transporting me to the magical land of Fantasia. Here, Atreyu embarks on an epic quest to save this realm from the destructive force called the Nothing. In this world, all our dreams become reality.
As a gamer immersed in the magical world of “The NeverEnding Story,” I can describe how the 1984 film brought its fantastical characters to life through innovative special effects techniques like robotics and puppetry. Among these enchanting beings, none stands out more than Falkor, the majestic luckdragon who saves Atreyu and becomes his steadfast companion throughout their adventure.
I was fortunate enough to be a part of the production team for “The Dark Crystal,” and I can tell you firsthand that Falkor’s size played a significant role in his lasting presence after filming ended. If you’re eager to catch a glimpse of the original Falkor or even take a ride on him, head over to Bavaria Films in Munich, Germany – the very studio where most of the movie was brought to life on set. There, you’ll find Falkor and numerous other film relics remarkably well-preserved.
E.T. was sold at auction
Among the movie characters introduced in the 1980s, none have achieved the same level of global adoration as E.T. From “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” this title character has captured hearts around the world. His endearing features, including big expressive eyes, make him irresistible to audiences. The film’s immense success is a testament to E.T.’s charm, as he graced merchandise from T-shirts and posters to comic books and even infamously terrible video games.
In 1981, Carlo Rambaldi, a virtuoso in visual effects, brought E.T. to life through an intricate blend of techniques. He employed puppetry, animatronics, and even a human actor in a costume. The outcome was a remarkably complex character that set the standard for film technology at the time. The primary E.T. puppet featured in the movie boasted 85 articulation points, enabling it to express an extensive repertoire of emotions.
At the “Icons and Idols: Hollywood” auction held by Julien’s Auctions in 2022, the actual prop from the film fetched an astonishing price of $2.56 million. This demonstrates the significant impact that E.T. has had on cinematic history. Previously, a maquette of the design was sold for $125,000 to secure director Steven Spielberg’s approval.
Kermit the Frog found his way to the Smithsonian
Inquire of a casual acquaintance on the sidewalk, and they might reply with “Kermit the Frog” being the most renowned puppet globally. Jim Henson brought Kermit to life in 1955, later introducing him to broader audiences through programs like “Sesame Street.” However, Kermit truly skyrocketed to fame as the star of “The Muppet Show,” which Jim Henson turned into a massive success.
Kermit made a significant mark in films, commercials, and television programs throughout the 20th century. His influence on puppetry and pop culture is undeniable, earning him a prestigious position among movie memorabilia and iconic characters.
I’m a huge fan of Kermit the Frog! He currently calls the Smithsonian National Museum of American History home. The Kermit on exhibit is none other than the original puppet from “Sam and Friends,” the beloved TV show that ran from 1955 to 1961. Although Kermit is the most renowned Muppet at the museum, he’s not alone. The Henson family graciously donated a wealth of puppets from “Sam and Friends” to be preserved there for future generations to marvel at.
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2024-07-14 19:31