DISNEY has unveiled a “real” working lightsaber, according to reports.
At a recent press event, Disney exec Josh D’Amaro apparently whipped out a replica weapon that extends and retracts at the push of a button.
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It’s said to be the closest that toy-makers have come to producing a lifelike ‘saber that looks and feels just like the real thing.
The catch? There are no photos or videos of it available yet, though D’Amaro said that fans could expect to get their first look soon.
D’Amaro, Disney’s Parks chariman, showed off the toy on April 8 during a briefing for the launch of Disneyland’s new Avengers Campus area.
Theme park reporter Carlye Wisel, who attended the virtual press conference, took to Twitter to describe what he saw.
“I just attended a virtual press conference and Josh D’Amaro had a lightsaber,” Wisel wrote.
“It worked like a LIGHTSABER not a ‘im carrying around this long stick’ lightsaber like a F***ING LIGHTSABER LIGHTSABER.”
He added that Disney said it would release photos and videos of the product “shortly”.
The iconic lightsaber has been a staple of the Star Wars franchise since the release of the first film in 1977.
Countless toy versions have been produced in the decades since, though they mostly take the form of cumbersome, glowing sticks.
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A version that retracts like the weapons in the movies would be more portable and realistic, making it a sure-fire hit.
Disney filed a patent for such a product in 2018, and it appears the company is finally making good on those early designs.
It’s unclear precisely how the new device would work, though Twitter is already littered with speculation.
After studying the patent, web developer Ben Ridout says that the technology is based on a familiar concept – the humble tape measure.
“A steel tape measure is somewhat sturdy when extended short distances,” Ridout tweeted on Monday.
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“The curve in the steel provides strength and the mostly flat tape can still be wound up on a reel inside the body of the tape measure. That’s important.
“Disney’s lightsaber design extends (get it?) the basic tape measure design.
“Imagine connecting two tape measures together so each tape faces in on each other when they are extended. Connect the ends of the tapes with a circular cap.
“Next, widen the tapes and increase the curve, allowing them to partially wrap around each other and form a complete cylinder.
“Drive this system with a motor so both reels can be extended and retracted in synch at the push of a button. Now, you’ve got a lightsaber!”
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
