Disney shows off a “real” lightsaber it’s been working on
By Dan Selcke
A couple of years ago, Disney filed a patent for “a special effects device providing an energy sword effect.” The device would use a motor and “a flexible strip of light sources” to create the impression that a blade made of light was emerging from and retracting into a hilt, all at the push of a button.
If you’ve seen a Star Wars movie — or even if you haven’t but you’ve been alive in our culture for the past four decades — you will probably recognize that device as a king of lightsaber, the weapon favored by Jedi knights in the Star Wars universe. Lightsabers are kind of the holy grail of Star Wars merch: there are plenty on the market, but none that where the blade is made of actual light; usually they involve coiled rungs of plastic that unfurl inelegantly, although that hasn’t stopped them from selling like mad these past several decades.
Still, it makes sense that Disney would want to create something that’s a little closer to the genuine article, and according to Collider, they have. Speaking at a press conference, Disney Parks executive Josh D’Amaro reportedly pulled a lightsaber out of a small box and said simply, “It’s real.”
And millions of Star Wars fans shuddered in pleasure.
Fans have already made a real-life lightsaber that cuts things
Unfortunately, Disney isn’t ready to release videos or photos of the device yet, so I’m guessing it’s not in perfect working order. But if they get this right, they pretty much have a guaranteed hit on their hands. There are a lot of Star Wars fans out there who would pay a pretty penny to have a functional lightsaber.
Of course, I’m assuming that this lightsaber won’t actually be able to cut anything, because who wants to invite a lawsuit? Other fans have taken care of that, though:
Your move, Disney.
Next. The Mandalorian: Stunning life-sized replica of the Razor Crest destroyed. dark
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