The painting that introduced Star Wars to the world nearly half a century ago has become the most expensive piece of memorabilia ever sold from the franchise, fetching $3.875 million at a Dallas auction on Wednesday.
Created by artist and poster designer Tom Jung, the acrylic-and-airbrush piece first appeared in newspapers on May 13, 1977, marking America’s earliest visual encounter with the universe imagined by filmmaker George Lucas. It later adorned billboards, magazines and theatre programs, defining the franchise’s first official marketing look.
The artwork remained in the possession of Star Wars producer Gary Kurtz, who displayed it in his office before passing it down to his daughter. Its sale by Heritage Auctions drew intense bidding that opened at $1 million.
“This was the very first glimpse of the galaxy far, far away for most Americans,” said Charles Epting of Heritage Auctions.
The buyer, who participated online, has chosen to remain anonymous.
Prior to Wednesday’s record-breaking sale, the highest amount paid for Star Wars memorabilia was the $3.6 million purchase of Darth Vader’s lightsaber. Jung’s painting has now surpassed all previous records for both franchise memorabilia and movie-poster artwork.
The celebrated piece features Luke Skywalker raising a lightsaber behind Princess Leia, with Darth Vader looming in the background and X-wing starfighters launching an attack. Han Solo and Skywalker appear receiving medals, while fan-favorite droids R2-D2 and C-3PO were added in later revisions during its transition from newspaper ad to full poster.
Auction specialists say its historic value stems not only from its artistic influence but also from its cultural significance in American film history.
