Iconic ‘Star Wars’ Painting Sells Makes History After Selling For $3.8 Million At Auction

The original painting that introduced “Star Wars” to the public nearly 50 years ago and later became the basis for the film’s iconic poster sold for $3.875 million at auction.

Created in acrylic and airbrush by artist Tom Jung, the artwork debuted in newspaper ads on May 13, 1977, less than two weeks before George Lucas’s space opera hit theaters. It went on to appear on billboards, magazine ads and theater programs, according to the Associated Press. (RELATED: Costume From ‘Elf’ Sells For Big Bucks At Auction)

Charles Epting, director of pop culture and historical consignments at Heritage Auctions, told the outlet the sale set a record for the highest price ever paid for a piece of “Star Wars” memorabilia and for any movie poster or related artwork.

HOLLYWOOD – OCTOBER 03: Director George Lucas presents the film “Star Wars – Episode IV: A New Hope” at AFI’s 40th Anniversary celebration presented by Target held at Arclight Cinemas on October 3, 2007 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images for AFI)

The buyer chose to remain anonymous.

“For most of America, this was the first time they got a glimpse of the galaxy far, far away,” Epting said.

“Star Wars” producer Gary Kurtz displayed the original painting in his office for years before passing it down to his daughter, who later consigned it to Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Bidding opened at $1 million.

Before this record sale, the most expensive piece of franchise memorabilia was Darth Vader’s lightsaber, which went for $3.6 million, the AP reported.

One side of the artwork shows Luke Skywalker raising a lightsaber behind Princess Leia, with Darth Vader looming above. The other side depicts X-wing starfighters launching an attack, while Han Solo and Skywalker are shown receiving medals.

Epting said the image of R2-D2 and C-3PO in the lower-right corner was added at the last minute and did not appear in the earliest reproductions.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 04: BB-8 and R2-D2 attend The Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures Hosts Star Wars-Inspired May The 4th Celebration “Across The Galaxy” at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on May 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

“You can watch the evolution of this piece and how they were figuring out what was important to include, what are we going to represent, what’s going to draw people in,” Epting said, according to the AP.

He added that the painting carries deep sentimental value and represents a slice of American cultural history.

Acknowledging the emotional pull the franchise still holds, he said, “Anyone who’s seen these movies or the marketing materials around it — you see this piece, your heart starts racing.”