Chewbacca’s Bowcaster, Ghostbusters’ Trap Lead $6 Million Movie Prop Auction Frenzy
Movie lovers and collectors alike had their eyes on the prize at Propstore’s recent auction, where some of cinema’s most legendary artifacts went under the hammer for jaw-dropping sums. From sci-fi blockbusters to cult classics, these props and costumes transported bidders straight into the worlds of their favorite films, commanding record-breaking prices that underscore their cultural significance.
Chewbacca’s bowcaster prop nets highest bid
Propstore held the movie prop auction at the Petersen Automobile Museum in Los Angeles, California, on March 26. Day one of the three-day event saw $6.8 million worth of props and relics sold at auction.
A true relic of the Star Wars galaxy, Chewbacca’s (Peter Mayhew) original bowcaster from the beloved original trilogy (1977-1983) led the auction with a staggering final sale price of $768,600. This screen-matched weapon, meticulously restored to its former glory, proved that the Force—and the passion of collectors—is stronger than ever.
Meanwhile, the screen-matched, light-up, radio-controlled hero ghost trap and pedal from Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989) sold for an electrifying $327,600, proving that nostalgia for paranormal investigations is still alive and well.
Sci-fi and fantasy movie props dominate the auction
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s legendary Atlantean sword from Conan the Barbarian (1982) carved out an impressive $176,400 at the auction. Accompanied by behind-the-scenes photos, this fearsome blade remains a symbol of raw cinematic power and warrior spirit.
The futuristic, screen-matched Zorg Industries ZF-1 rocket launcher from The Fifth Element (1997) ignited a bidding war, ultimately selling for $176,400. Meanwhile, one of Hollywood’s earliest and most influential props—Charlie Chaplin’s photo-matched “Little Tramp” boots from The Great Dictator (1940)—walked away with an impressive $157,500.
Other notable sales included Dumbledore’s robe from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) at $81,900, Maverick’s bomber jacket from Top Gun (1986) at $81,900, and a light-up Gonzo puppet from Muppets from Space (1999) at $63,000.
Batman suit, Wolverine claws keep the cash flowing
Batman fans also had a moment of triumph as Michael Keaton’s Batman Returns (1992) Batsuit soared to $157,500, securing a place in the Batcave of a devoted collector. Horror enthusiasts weren’t left behind either, as The Evil Dead’s (1981) infamous Necronomicon, hand-illustrated by Tom Sullivan, conjured up $132,300.
John Travolta’s “Greased Lightnin’” T-Birds jacket from Grease (1978) revved up $126,000, while Marty McFly’s futuristic adventures were remembered through the hero Mr. Fusion reactor from Back to the Future Part II (1989), which sold for $119,700.
Even smaller yet iconic pieces found eager buyers: Wolverine’s claws from X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) slashed their way to $20,160, Walter Sobchak’s (The Big Lebowski, 1998) costume bowled over $18,900, and Kim’s dress from Edward Scissorhands (1990) cut through expectations at $15,120.
This auction proved one thing: Hollywood history is priceless to fans who want to own a piece of cinematic magic. With these staggering price tags, it’s clear that nostalgia and legendary storytelling hold an enduring grip on audiences, ensuring that these artifacts will be cherished for generations to come.
