The original painting for the 1977 Star Wars movie poster, created by artist Tom Jung, sold for $3.9 million at Heritage Auctions, becoming the most expensive object associated with the Star Wars franchise to date. The acrylic and airbrush artwork served as the half-sheet poster for Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope and features a triangular composition of characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader. The painting was consigned by Melissa, daughter of producer Gary Kurtz, and surpassed the previous record for movie poster art.
This sale matters because it underscores the enduring cultural and financial value of Star Wars memorabilia, with prices for artifacts continuing to rise nearly five decades after the film's release. The record also highlights the significance of original movie poster art as a collectible category, with this piece exceeding the $687,500 paid for Bob Peak's Apocalypse Now poster earlier this year. The auction reflects the deep emotional connection fans maintain with the franchise, as evidenced by another Star Wars record set in September when Darth Vader's lightsaber sold for $3.6 million.