Hero
The Hero Helmet was the version of the Stormtrooper helmet produced for close-up scenes and principal performers during the filming of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope in 1976. Unlike the Stunt Helmet, which was designed for durability and mass production, the Hero Helmet featured a number of refinements intended to improve its appearance on camera. These included a lowered brow trim, hand-painted detailing, bubble eye lenses, a smaller frown and asymmetrical hand-finished features unique to each helmet.
The helmets were manufactured by Andrew Ainsworth at Shepperton Design Studios using vacuum forming techniques developed for the original production. Each helmet required hand trimming, assembly and finishing, resulting in subtle variations that have become characteristic of the original Hero helmets.
Today, the Hero Helmet remains one of the most recognisable pieces of film costume design. Its distinctive appearance, together with the individual imperfections created during its manufacture, has made it one of the most studied and celebrated prop helmets in cinematic history.
AYSMMETRY
“THE DEFINING FEATURE...”
When the original moulds were created by Andrew IN 1976, CNC machines & CAD didn’t exist! Even Velcro was a novel concept…
The moulds were fashioned by hand, comprising of two main parts and didn’t fit together properly. Given the limited time available (two days!) before the helmets were required, he resorted to shaving off material from just one side until the moulds produced a helmet that fitted together.
The asymmetric helmet remains a defining feature of the originals used in the first 1977 film - “A New Hope”.
LOW-BROW
“Lowering the brow over the blister eyes created a menacing look...”
After Andrew had made 50 helmets that were used by the stunt actors, John Mollo asked for 6 extra ones for the close-up shots with the Hero’s. These helmets had refined features to emphasise an intimidating presence.
Our Hero Signature edition is the most accurate representation of this.
EAR PIECE
“BRIDGE THE GAP...”
The ear piece was developed to cover the join between the front and rear helmet mouldings.
They gave the helmet presence, like a lion's mane whilst simultaneously giving the impression of a communications device, by way of the raised vertical grid.
BLISTER EYES
“futuristic,three
dimensional vision...”
Andrew recalls, “The idea for blister eyes, was that any futuristic being would have 3 dimensional eyesight, much like a fly… and when formed form grey, translucent acrylic, they enhanced the sinister look of the character.”
HAND PAINTED
“METICULOUS DETAIL...”
Precisely hand painted, with attention paid to the small details of the frown, mouth and ears. Thin decals are utilised elsewhere on this edition (chevrons, cheeks and temples) avoiding the use of cheap, thick printed vinyl.
MIC TIPS
“FUTURISTIC COMMUNICATION...”
"The 'Hovi Mix Pa 2,' also known as Mic Tips, are now 3D printed, meticulously modelled from the original part. Initially, Andrew tried crafting the Mic Tips using vacuum-formed plastic, but they lacked the precision and sharpness he desired. Seeking a more straightforward solution, he visited his favourite greebles shop, the Wheelhouse in Hounslow. There, he stumbled upon an unusual sink cleaning attachment called the Swirlerator, marked with the part number 'Hovi Mix Pa 2.' It turned out to be perfect."