You Would Never Believe What Real World Item Was Used For Qui-Gon Jinn's Communicator in 'Episode I'
Since the release of the very first Star Wars film, now known as Episode IV: A New Hope, back in 1977, fans have spent literally hundreds and thousands of dollars/pounds buying the huge amount of replicas of gadgets and weaponry which exist which got introduced to the world from the galaxy far, far away. I myself have five lightsabers, after all. All of us, at one point or another, have tried to recreate some of our favorite scenes from the films.
Every fan has dreamed of one day holding a real working lightsaber, with many using their real-life skills to try and recreate it. We also have a huge amount of replica blasters in circulation, along with masks and costumes. For the world of retail, the entire franchise is literally a gold mine. Fans really do go wild for this stuff, with many having whole rooms in their home dedicated to their collections. Imagine my surprise, then, when I came across a random fact online one day about one of the gadgets introduced in Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and it turn out to be something the average person already has in their house, specifically in their bathroom.
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With the world of Star Wars continuing to grow exponentially, we continue to learn new and interesting information about the making of the films and a bunch of behind-the-scenes facts. We've found out a lot of the most unique sounds created for the films, such as the iconic lightsaber "hum," came from the most random of places and by complete accident. So I guess it makes sense that one would also use everyday items to create the perfect accessories.
In The Phantom Menace, whilst searching for a new part for their ship transporting Queen Amidala on the planet Tatooine, the Jedi Qui-Gonn Jinn happens across a young slave boy (we all know who he is) and becomes incredibly intrigued by him and his seemingly strong connection with the Force. This causes him to go back to the boy and study him a little more, leaving his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi back with the ship and Queen.
To keep in touch with each other, both Jedi use an average-looking communication device, something common in most space-themed films or TV shows. Again, it was an item many fans wanted, with it being like a much fancier walkie-talkie, but it is this very item which is the point of our article today. If you pause the film during the scene featuring the device, you may actually recognize it, especially the design on the handle.
To create the perfect looking communicator, George Lucas used a Gillette Women's Razor, or more accurately, he made a replica of it. Using resin, a cast of the razor was made and various random pieces of metal, including three solder lugs, were added on top to make it look more "technologically advanced."
Whilst this is not exactly huge news, it's one of the funnier and more random facts to come from one of the world's biggest franchises. What makes it even more funnier is the fact that it was then produced as a toy, meaning people paid to have a toy they actually, probably, could just have made at home for far less.
Did you know this funny fact? Do you have any other random or funny facts about Star Wars? Be sure to let us know, and next time you're trying to impress someone with your knowledge of Star Wars, don't forget this small fact.
Until next time!
READ MORE: The 10 Best Characters Introduced During The Prequels
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