Elk Grove firm unveils new “Star Wars” models for Force Friday
After more than nine months of working in secrecy, an Elk Grove Village-based model maker is releasing its designs today for four new spaceships from the upcoming “Star Wars” movie.
Lou Aguilera, vice president and general manager of Revell, said the models were designed with the same computer data used by filmmakers to create the movie's props and computer graphics.
“We were very excited to work with the team,” Aguilera said. “That has been the key. Because we're a model company, we like to capture the most detail and realism as possible and get our designs that much closer to the movie.”
Revell first acquired the “Star Wars” license in 2007, and Aguilera said it has been a standout for the company. The model maker had to win the license again last year when Disney acquired the “Star Wars” franchise.
“This is a big feature for us, 'Star Wars' is one of the strongest if not the strongest license,” Aguilera said.
The four models available today will include new versions of some of the series' most iconic ships, including the Millennium Falcon, as they will appear in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
Aguilera said the first models are intended for children and feature snap-together designs that can be played with once built. More models, including complicated designs that feature hundreds of small parts that need to be glued together, will be released closer to the movie's Dec. 18 release date.
“It is very interesting how it has transcended generations,” Aguilera said, noting their customers range from children beginners to adult experts. “It's definitely a subculture and we're getting behind it in a big way this year.”
The models will be available today at Target and Toys R Us. “Force Awakens” merchandise ranging from action figures to remote-controlled droids hits stores across the globe today in an event dubbed Force Friday by Disney.
Revell's headquarters is located on Howard Street just east of Route 83 in Elk Grove Village.