Watch The Creation Of A Life-Sized Styrofoam Rancor
Star Wars Celebration IV is almost upon us. From August 23rd through the 26th throngs of the faithful will descend upon the Orange Country Convention Center in Orlando, Florida to revel in all things Force-related. There will be guests, exhibitors, artists, and even speed dating.
In general there’s going to be metric ton of cool stuff. This list includes a life-sized foam Rancor that looks incredible. The work was sponsored by the 501st Legion, an all volunteer group of costume enthusiasts that wants to hype Star Wars and show their love of the films through the making of awesome costumes. Check out the video below to see artist Rick Bohler sculpt the mammoth creature out Styrofoam. Note his dog, a sleepy Boxer, in the background looking thoroughly uninterested in the proceedings.
Every single time I watch Return of the Jedi I feel a little pang of sadness when—after Luke shows off his throwing arm, and chucks the skull—that massive metal door crushes the Rancor to death. What moves me isn’t necessarily the passing of the creature. That was Luke doing what had to be done. It’s when the film cuts to the Rancor keeper, his eyes welling up with tears, that’s the moment that gets me. To him the Rancor wasn’t some giant, ugly, bloodthirsty beast; it was a pet, a companion, a friend. I feel for that guy.
The finished model has been christened Roxy the Rancor. Not sure why they went with that particular name, but it rolls off the tongue nicely, and serves as well as any other.
This photo shows you just how detailed the sculpture is…
…while this one puts the actual size in perspective.
