'Alien' suit, Harry Potter wand among classic props up for auction

by French Press Agency - AFP

LOS ANGELES Mar 12, 2021 - 11:59 am GMT+3

A prototype of the terrifying monster from "Alien," a mobster's three-piece suit worn by Al Pacino in "Scarface" and Harry Potter's wand are among 800 items from classic Hollywood movies up for auction next month in Los Angeles.

The blockbuster auction's centerpiece is the life-sized, nightmarish Xenomorph creature from Ridley Scott's classic 1979 sci-fi horror film “Alien,” considered by many as a masterpiece of the genre and a major influence on modern thrillers, expected to fetch up to $60,000.

HR Giger's original prototype translucent 'Big Chap' Xenomorph costume from 'Alien' is seen at the preview of Julien's Auctions Hollywood Sci-Fi, Action Fantasy and More auction in Beverly Hills, California, March 10, 2021. (AFP Photo) — HR Giger's original prototype translucent "Big Chap" Xenomorph costume from "Alien" is seen at the preview of Julien's Auctions Hollywood Sci-Fi, Action Fantasy and More auction in Beverly Hills, California, March 10, 2021. (AFP Photo)

Designed by Swiss artist Hans Ruedi Giger, the translucent costume was long presumed missing and has never been on sale before, according to Julien's Auctions executive director Martin Nolan.

Another high-profile item is the pin-striped suit worn by Pacino's coked-up drug slinger Tony Montana in the bloody climactic gun battle of 1983's "Scarface."

The "very, very rare" costume has a pre-sale estimate of $20,000-$30,000, said Nolan.

"This is Western pop culture. But now these items are known globally," he added.

Some of the over 800 items on auction are seen at the preview of Julien

Props from various Batman movies will be on offer, from the bodysuit worn by Val Kilmer's caped crusader and the cloak donned by Michelle Pfieffer's Catwoman in "Batman Forever," to the massive rifle wielded by Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mister Freeze in "Batman and Robin."

The Zippo lighter used by Bruce Willis' character throughout "Die Hard" can be purchased alongside the ratty "studio distressed" vest he wears in the sequel "Die Hard With a Vengeance."

Props and costumes from various films including a studio distressed tank top with dual leather holster rig from 'Die Hard With A Vengeance' (L), are seen at the Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills, California, March 10, 2021. (AFP Photo) — Props and costumes from various films including a studio distressed tank top with dual leather holster rig from "Die Hard With A Vengeance" (L), are seen at the Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills, California, March 10, 2021. (AFP Photo)

An original Imperial scout blaster from "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" is likely to yield $20,000-$30,000, while a pair of original bladed gloves worn by Johnny Depp in "Edward Scissorhands" could draw up to $50,000.

"If you love Harry Potter, and you're probably at a stage when you're starting to make money now (if) you grew up with Harry Potter movies, and you want to own something from your youth," Daniel Radcliffe's wand is available, added Nolan.

While the boy wizard's wand is estimated at $8,000-$10,000, Slytherin fans may want to consider one from professor Snape's collection, which is a little cheaper at $6,000 to $8,000.