Kenner Spec Sheet - Large Size Han Solo Action Figure (early mock-up)
Kenner was known for using existing toys as part of their early concept, mock-up and photography processes and this toy was no exception. Enter Parker Stevenson as Frank Hardy as Harrison Ford as Han Solo. This fantastic use of a Hardy Boys doll allowed Kenner to easily assemble a likeness of Han Solo. Clothes could be created fairly easily so it didn't take much to whip this one together.

What may not be well known is that Kenner used this exact same toy for their early concepts of the Lando Calrissian doll during The Empire Strikes Back. Since that series of dolls never made it to production very few photos are available. The final sculpt of Lando was an amazing likeness although the mock-up left much to be desired. What Kenner did was paint Frank Hardy's face brown and his hair black. The addition of a black moustache was the finishing touch. It was a hokey Lando, but it did the trick.

This Kenner product sheet is part of a 3-ring notebook containing early photography and descriptions of roughly 30 Star Wars toys. Each sheet has the same format with typed information about the product and a pasted-on glossy photo. Most photos are representations of the toys but they often differed from their released counterparts which makes it quite unique to look at. These were generally mock-ups of sorts created because the toys weren't ready in time for photography and early marketing. This book came from an ex-Kenner model maker who was dilligently tracked down by a collector. Many thanks go out to that collector for helping turn up a piece of history like this.

Description by: Chris Georgoulias
Photo: Chris Georgoulias
From the collection of: Chris Georgoulias
Country:United States
Film:A New Hope
Licensee:Kenner
Year:1977
Category:Prototypes / Product Concepts


  


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