Painting Breaks Record For The Most Expensive Star Wars Item Ever Sold At Auction
A galaxy far, far away just shattered an earthly record.
Nearly five decades after Star Wars: A New Hope first changed pop culture forever, an original piece of its history has officially become the most valuable Star Wars collectible ever sold. A 1977 half-sheet artwork by legendary illustrator Tom Jung fetched a staggering $3.875 million at Heritage Auction’s Hollywood & Entertainment Signature Auction—cementing its place as the crown jewel of the franchise’s memorabilia universe.
For longtime fans, the image is instantly recognizable. Jung’s painting features the film’s core heroes locked in dramatic poses, with Darth Vader looming ominously above them—an image that didn’t just sell a movie, but helped define the visual language of Star Wars itself. In fact, it was the first widely published promotional artwork used during the film’s original theatrical run, making it a foundational artifact in sci-fi cinema history.
Adding to its mythic status? Provenance. The piece was consigned directly by the family of Star Wars producer Gary Kurtz, making it not just a collectible, but a deeply personal relic of the franchise’s earliest days. The auction itself was a pop culture power play, also featuring Margaret Hamilton’s screen-worn Wicked Witch flying hat from The Wizard of Oz and Francis Ford Coppola’s personal The Godfather Part II script—icons, meet icons.
“This isn’t just a milestone for Star Wars. It’s a landmark moment for the entire field of pop culture collectibles and artwork,” said Charles Epting, Director of Consignments, Pop Culture & Historical at Heritage Auction. “This painting defined the visual language of one of the most beloved films of all time, and its impact clearly still resonates with collectors at the highest level.”
With this sale, Jung’s artwork officially dethroned the previous record-holder: Darth Vader’s lightsaber, which sold for $3.654 million at Propstore in September 2025. That weapon—wielded by both David Prowse and stunt performer Bob Anderson—appeared in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, making it one of the most iconic props in movie history. But even a Sith Lord’s lightsaber couldn’t outshine the power of original art.
The takeaway? Star Wars isn’t just cinema—it’s fine art, fashion, mythology, and cultural currency all rolled into one. As collectors continue to chase pieces that shaped entire generations, this record-breaking sale proves that the Force is still very strong… especially at auction.
H/T: Heritage Auctions
