Shadows of the Empire returns, with Hot Toys’ new Luke Skywalker

The Star Wars’ Expanded Universe era returns. Hot Toys’ dives into Shadows of the Empire for a limited edition Luke Skywalker figure.

Shadows fall once again

Long before the sequels rewrote Star Wars’ future, and years before the prequels filled in the blanks of its history, there was Shadows of the Empire. Created as a multimedia event that spanned a novel, video game, comics, and more, the happening was part of the Expanded Universe.

If you don’t know what that was, it was more or less the prequels, sequels, and all of the modern Disney+ content all rolled into one. It was literally an Expanded Universe for Star Wars, and it was as canon as it got back then. So when Shadows of the Empire kicked off in 1996, it was a big deal for fans.

As to the content of said tale, it centered squarely on the underworld of the Star Wars galaxy. there was Darth Vader, sure. But there were also new characters aplenty, and the hunt for a still carbonized Han Solo. It basically wove a narrative that filled in the blanks between the Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. And as you might imagine, Luke Skywalker was front and center.

And now Hot Toys is bringing it back, and to its sixth-scale figure collection. Well, at least, Luke Skywalker is coming back, as he appeared in the event. That much was announced today, as retailer Sideshow took the wraps off of Hot Toys’ Luke Skywalker (Shadows of the Empire) 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure.

There is a catch though, and it’s that this new Jedi Knight is a limited edition.

Use the vest Luke

As you can see, this new Luke bears many of the hallmarks of the hero’s look in Return of the Jedi. Unlike in The Empire Strikes Back, Luke is clad in all black, though that uniform is highlighted by a bulky vest. He’s also got his green lightsaber, and from the looks of the press release, a bunch of additional accessories.

The Luke Skywalker™ (Shadows of the Empire) 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure features a stunning headsculpt with separate rolling eyeballs to adjust the figure’s gaze for dynamic posing. The sculpt is completed with a meticulously sculpted mid-length hairstyle and incredibly detailed skin texture. 

Luke’s remarkable Shadows of the Empire attire has been expertly custom tailored in 1/6 scale. The costume features his signature cream-yellow padded vest over a black double-breasted band-collar shirt, black pants, and microfiber boots. His look is tied together by a black microfiber utility belt with a Lightsaber hilt holder and pouches. Additionally, a brown belt with a Lightsaber hilt holder, pistol holster, and pouches are also included, offering collectors the option to interchange and swap styles.

The figure comes loaded with accessories – including a DL-18 blaster pistol, two Lightsaber hilts (normal and LED-light up), and two interchangeable green Lightsaber blades (standard and in-motion). To further enhance display options, the figure includes an array of interchangeable hands, featuring various Force-using, Lightsaber-wielding, and blaster-holding gestures.

Sideshow press release

While this new Luke is looking great, remember that we said he’s also limited. Sideshow and Hot Toys aren’t kidding about that either, as the figure will reportedly have a run of 2,500 units. And yes, that’s apparently globally. Sort of. It turns out that he’ll also only be available in “select markets”, according to the retailer.

Fortunately, those markets look to include the US. Though we’ll add that we’re not sure how many fans in additional territories will be able to order one for themselves. Speaking of, those pre-orders are open right now, and as of this writing are still available via Sideshow.