Updated September 5, 2025 at 2:55 PM EDT
An iconic film prop is making its way from a galaxy far, far away to a lucky fan.
The red lightsaber of Star Wars villain Darth Vader was sold at auction for $3.6 million on Sept. 4. This prop was used during the filming of "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi," including the memorable "I Am Your Father" fight scene between Vader and Luke Skywalker.
Brandon Alinger, the COO of the auction house Propstore, which hosted the sale, remarked, "Darth Vader, of course, arguably the most memorable villain of all time. And this is his weapon, the weapon of cinema's most infamous, recognizable, unforgettable villain."
This lightsaber appears as a heavy, scratched black and chrome cylinder. According to Alinger, it originally started as a camera flash attachment and, with some movie magic, was transformed into a lightsaber. Although Propstore has other lightsabers in its collection, this is the first time this particular Darth Vader lightsaber has been auctioned. Before the auction, Propstore estimated that the item would sell for at least $1 million to $3 million.
In the weeks leading up to the auction, the lightsaber had been on tour, allowing fans and potential bidders to view it in person in London, New York, and Beverly Hills. Alongside the lightsaber, Propstore also showcased items from other blockbuster films, including the bullwhip from "Indiana Jones," the neuralyzer from "Men in Black," and the clapperboard used on the set of "Jaws," among others.
On Sept. 4, Propstore closed the auction for the lightsaber with a winning bid of $3.6 million. According to The Hollywood Reporter, this price tag makes the prop "the highest-valued piece from the 'Star Wars' franchise ever up for auction."
For the fortunate fan who claimed the iconic Vader lightsaber hilt, may the Force be with you.
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