‘Mr. Bond, you persist in defying my efforts to provide an amusing death for you.’ Hugo Drax

THE ORIGINAL PROPS

MOONRAKER, released in 1979 at the height of a global science-fiction craze, details Bonds efforts to thwart the genocidal plans of Hugo Drax. On the surface a hugely successful global business titan, Drax is, in truth, a madman bent on global domination.

The original props were polyurethane and rubber with no moving parts. They were specially constructed for the film by the EON Productions prop department, and a large quantity of different props were produced. The main body was constructed around a casting taken from a toy gun. Various real-world parts, including plumbing supplies, were added to complete the fantasy look.

The laser effects seen on screen were added later during post-production using a labor-intensive animation technique known as ‘rotoscoping’, cutting edge in its day, the process has been replaced by modern digital effects today.

A black-painted version of the prop can be seen in promotional photographs. This black painted version was an early test-prop and does not appear on screen in the final film. During production it was replaced with a white paint scheme. However, the images of the black pre-production variant were widely circulated, appearing in some famous publicity stills featuring Roger Moore holding the prop. Over time the ‘lost’ black version attained something of a mythical status with fans, even appearing as a special option in a later 007 video game.

THE REPLICA

The Factory Entertainment Moonraker Laser prop replica was created after careful study of the original props in the EON Productions archives, as well as reference photographs and original production drawings.

The original props were made quickly, of lightweight materials, to suit the needs of film production. The replica is cast from a heavyweight polyresin, and features metal fittings, although visually identical, these materials provide more heft and strength than the original props.

Physical triggers are not present on the original props; they were deliberately omitted for practical reasons, to allow the actors to hold the props and fit their fingers into the area where a trigger would normally be while wearing thick astronaut gloves.

The replica features an ultra-bright blue LED light effect, activated by a concealed button, as a homage to the ground-breaking rotoscoped visual effects and to enhance the 70’s laser-weapon aesthetic.

Inspired by the Moonraker laser’s later appearances in 007 video games, scope detail and a movable ‘selector-lever’ have also been incorporated into the replica.

Each replica includes a certificate of authenticity booklet, a display stand and an individually numbered metal plaque.

Limited To 150 Pieces

Requires 2 x AAA (LR3) Batteries. Batteries included.