I’m a big fan of the film The Last Starfighter. It is one of those “cult classics” that most people I have met either love… Or have never seen. It was a moderate success on its initial 1984 release, and has a devoted following of fans. The highlight of the film is the Gunstar, the “hero” ship of the film. Done completely in CGI, the film’s effects are somewhat dated today but at the time they were mind-blowing.
(A quick sidebar: The film is directed by Nick Castle, the man who played the original Shape in the first Halloween film. That man has had a heck of a career.)
Because the movie was only a moderate success, there were no product tie-ins, save for a few items. And, sadly, no toys. What I would have done for a Gunstar playset when I was 14.
So I took matters into my own hands.
As you may have seen in earlier posts, one of the many things I have gotten into the past few years has been 3D design and printing, and most recently I created a “lost” (read, unproduced) Freeze Chamber playset from Empire Strikes Back. Inspired by Michael French at Retroblasting, it was the most ambitious project I ever did.
Until now.
When I dropped off the Freeze Chamber at Retroblasting HQ, I told him one of the things I was thinking about doing was the Gunstar as a vehicle/playset, in scale to vintage 3 3/4 inch action figures. “Do it!” He replied, excitedly.
(Another sidebar: before the holidays I recently finished the rest of “Bespin World” for Michael, and he should be doing a video on that, soon… As soon as he buys another, bigger table.)
So I started working on it. And I quickly realized something.
To do it justice, it would have to be big. Like, REALLY big.
So, months later, I just finished the prototype. I call it the Omnistar, and it is HUGE. Three feet long, and two feet wide. With a working hatch, alternate cockpits, and (of course) the Death Blossom effect. I still need to refine the model and will soon make the kit available on eBay. Some assembly required.
I did not aim for screen accuracy, I wanted to make the type of toy that Kenner would have made back in the day. One that reflects the aesthetics of the movie vehicle but was still “toyetic.”
My next project is not nearly as big. Another “lost” playset that should have been made by Kenner… Around 1983. Hint hint.
Here’s a photo gallery.
