Fans can soon revisit the beginnings of the Skywalker Saga asStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menaceis returning to the big screen in celebration of its 25th anniversary. To further celebrate the film’s return to theaters, AMC has revealed on the theater chain’sofficial X (formerly Twitter) accounta first look at their exclusive upcoming R2-D2-themed collectible combo popcorn bucket. The vessel will be available for fans to purchase beginning on May 3 for $49.99 and will include a large popcorn and drink.
The latest collectible popcorn bucket continues tofollow the trendof major theater chains looking to capitalize on the latest big-screen blockbusters by having appropriately themed collector’s buckets available for fans in cinemas. The trend was further popularized earlier this year withAMC’sDune: Part Twosandworm bucket, which became a prevalentmeme online due to its suspicious design, leading to endless NSFW jokes alongside a parody sketch onSaturday Night Live.
While the newR2-D2variant doesn’t appear to be as meme-worthy, it does have an adorable likeness to the character’s film counterpart, which could add an extra layer of fun for fans looking to revisit the1999 movie on the big screen. The vessel functions as both a popcorn bucket and a cup, with a straw coming from the top of R2-D2’s head and an opening on his backside from which you may eat your popcorn. Needless to say, collectors won’t want to miss out on this fun littleStar Warscollectible, which will only be available at select AMC theaters.
Why Are Popcorn Buckets the Next Big Trend For Movie Theaters?
With the summer movie season now officially in full swing, and major blockbusters expected to arrive every week, fans are likely in for plenty of collectible buckets and cups from major theater chains. The past couple of years have shown the growing market surrounding exclusive collectible popcorn buckets, as seen from this year’s previous examples, such as theinfamousDune: Part Twobucket, alongside aGhostbusters: Frozen Empirecollectable ghost trap, among many others. What additional surprises are in store for upcoming movies remain a mystery, butDeadpool & Wolverinedirector Shawn Levy does tease that the upcoming Marvel Studios filmwill have its own collectible bucket, which he referred to as a “stroke of genius.” Until then, fans can embrace the 25th anniversary ofThe Phantom Menacewith AMC’s exclusive R2D2 bucket, available at select theaters.
‘The Phantom Menace’ Returns to the Big Screen For Star Wars Day
It’s been 25 years since the release ofThe Phantom Menace, which first debuted in theaters in the summer of 1999, becoming one of the biggest film events of all time. While the film, alongside its two follow-ups, initially received a divisive response from fans, over time they have been viewed favorably by younger fans due to their nostalgic value. With a whole new generation ofStar Warsfans, it will be interesting to see how wellPhantom Menacecan perform in theaters a quarter of a century later, especially as it opens alongside the highly anticipated release ofThe Fall Guy. But ifthe performance ofReturn of the Jedi’s re-release last year is any indication, thenStar Warsfans will likely similarly flock to the prequel film.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menacereturns to theaters on May 3. AMC’s R2-D2 bucket can be purchased at AMC theaters on the same day. Check out the sneak peek at the upcoming collectible bucket above.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Two Jedi escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their original glory.
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