PROTOTYPE ARCHIVES
Unreleased Star Wars Imperial Probe Droid with Hyperdrive Pod
The Vintage Collection, 2012-2013
Photos Courtesy of Anthony Pagano
Star Wars fans would've likely been thrilled if Hasbro announced plans to release an Imperial Probe Droid toy as part of their popular Vintage Collection line. This highly-detailed figure would come with a detachable Hyperdrive pod, allowing kids and collectors to authentically recreate iconic scenes from the classic film The Empire Strikes Back.
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In the movie, Imperial Probe Droids are sent across the galaxy by Darth Vader to search for the Rebel Alliance's secret base. The sinister black droids use their Hyperdrive pods to travel rapidly from system to system. When one Probe Droid discovers the Rebels on the ice planet Hoth, it transmits their location back to the Empire before being destroyed by Han Solo. This critical scene demonstrates the resourcefulness of the Empire and leads to the epic Battle of Hoth.
Hasbro's proposed Imperial Probe Droid toy perfectly captured the details that made the droid so menacing, from its spindly legs to its sphere-shaped body bristling with sensors. The accompanying Hyperdrive pod opened to reveal a detailed interior cockpit and engine. This accessory would have allowed kids to pretend to jet across the galaxy and discover the hidden Rebel base, just like in the movie. The toy was poised to be a hit with collectors seeking screen-accurate Star Wars figures and kids looking to recreate their favorite Hoth scenes.
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Unfortunately, despite the Imperial Probe Droid's incredible design and play potential, it was not approved for mass production. This disappointing outcome deprived fans of what would have undoubtedly been a standout piece in the Vintage Collection. Though the toy remains only a concept, it serves as an impressive example of the creativity Hasbro brings to their Star Wars line and the care they take to capture the magic of the saga. Luckily, in 2017 Star Wars fans could buy a two-pack that included a similar sculpted Imperial Probe Droid with a firing projectile and a Darth Vader figure instead of a Hyperdrive pod.