PROTOTYPE ARCHIVES
Buddies, POTF2, 1997-1998
In 1997, Kenner released a line of beanie baby like toys called "Buddies". These small plush characters were filled with plastic pellets (beans) rather than conventional soft stuffing.
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C-3PO
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R2-D2
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Chewbacca
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Yoda
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Jawa
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Cantina Band Member
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Wampa
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Jabba the Hutt
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Salacious Crumb
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Max Rebo
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Wicket
Early Conceptual Designs
Jawa
Yoda
Wicket (Ewok)
Conceptual items were developed to pitch the idea within Kenner. These early designs included a plastic tag, which was later replaced by a cardboard tag.
Wave 2
There were plans for a second wave of characters. It appears that a second release Yoda was being developed, plus some all new characters including a sneak preview of the pod racer Ratts Tyerell from the upcoming film "Episode I - The Phantom's Menace". While some sample characters were created, this wave was cancelled and never made it into production.
Concept Board
Dewback
Stormtrooper
Darth Vader
Other Unreleased Examples
The Power of the Force "Buddies" line only included droids and creatures. Humans were never produced for this line. These samples represent the various developmental changes including face and clothing designs.
Obi-Wan Kenobi Comparison
Luke Skywalker
X-Wing Pilot
Princess Leia
Organa
Han Solo Comparison
Sy Snootles
Tusken Raider
Conceptual Development
Conceptual development often begins in the form of a design presentation board. This is an example of the conceptual design board for the Stormtrooper. During the development process, the character begins to transform into the final product. While this character was never actually released for production, you can see some of the design changes along it's short journey.
