The original Falcon spaceship from the Star Wars universe is one of the most iconic starships in science fiction history. With its angular shape, cockpit windshield, and two engine pods, the Falcon has a unique and memorable design. But over the years, there has been some debate among Star Wars fans about the color of the original Millennium Falcon model and set pieces used in the first Star Wars film in 1977. Was the original Falcon black or gray? In this article, we’ll examine the evidence and aim to conclusively answer the question.
What the Reference Sources Say
Official Star Wars sources have been inconsistent on the issue of the original Falcon’s color. Some reference books state that it was gray, while others say black. Here’s a quick overview of what some key sources say:
Source | Color |
---|---|
Star Wars: Incredible Cross-Sections (1998) | Gray |
Star Wars: Complete Cross-Sections (2007) | Gray |
Star Wars: Millennium Falcon Owner’s Workshop Manual (2011) | Black |
Star Wars: Millennium Falcon: A 3D Owner’s Guide (2018) | Black |
As we can see, more recent official sources since the late 2000s tend to state the original Falcon was black. But this conflicts with 1990s reference books that described the ship as gray. So the official sources are split on this point.
Behind the Scenes Evidence
Since the official sources don’t provide a definitive answer, we need to look at behind the scenes photos and footage of the Millennium Falcon filming models. This provides the best visual evidence of what color the original models really were.
Several photos and clips have emerged over the years showing the Falcon models under construction and on the set of Star Wars in 1976-77. In a wide shot from behind the scenes, the large Falcon model is clearly visible as dark gray, not black:
Behind the scenes image of Millennium Falcon model |
In addition, photos of the smaller Falcon model being worked on show it in dark gray:
Small Millennium Falcon model |
Some black and white footage from behind the scenes could be interpreted as showing a black Falcon, but colored photos make it clear the model was dark gray.
On Set Filming
Looking at shots of the Millennium Falcon on set during filming also provides clues. In footage from Star Wars, the Falcon has highlights and shadows that suggest a lighter gray color, not pure black:
Millennium Falcon on set |
The lighting and shading evident on the Falcon during filming indicates a dark gray base color, consistent with the behind the scenes photos of the models.
Original Studio Paint Color
Finally, samples of the original gray paint used on the Millennium Falcon models have been analyzed and matched to standard paint colors. The studio paint was identified as a color called “RAF Ocean Grey” – a dark gray with a blueish tint. This again confirms the behind the scenes evidence that the original Falcon models were painted gray, not black.
Conclusion
Based on behind the scenes photos of the models, footage of the Falcon during filming, and the identified paint color, we can definitively conclude that the original Millennium Falcon in Star Wars (1977) was dark gray, and not black as some reference books claim. The original studio models were painted in a color called RAF Ocean Grey, which appears darker or black in some lighting conditions. But under normal lighting, it is clearly a dark bluish gray. So while some official sources have stated the original Falcon was black, the visual evidence makes clear the iconic ship was originally gray on screen.
Other Questions About the Original Millennium Falcon
Why do some sources say it was black?
Some reference sources likely stated the original Falcon was black due to it appearing darker and unlit in some behind the scenes photos. Under certain lighting conditions the gray can look very dark. But color photos and analysis of the paint prove the models were indeed gray.
Did the color change over the original trilogy?
The Millennium Falcon may have appeared to get darker in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Some visual guides state it was repainted black or darker gray for the sequels. But fundamentally it was still the same gray studio models in each film, simply photographed under different lighting or with dirt and weathering applied to look more used and beaten up over time.
When did the black Falcon debut?
The first on-screen appearance of a black Millennium Falcon was in the Special Edition re-releases of the original trilogy in 1997. For these updated versions, the Falcon shots were digitally altered to make the ship appear black. This black coloring has remained consistent in the Falcon’s subsequent appearances in the prequels and sequels.
Millennium Falcon Color Timeline
Here is a quick visual timeline summarizing the color of the Millennium Falcon models used on screen over time:
Film/Release | Color | Notes |
---|---|---|
Star Wars (1977) | Dark Gray | Original studio models painted RAF Ocean Grey |
Empire Strikes Back (1980) | Dark Gray | Same models as first film, surface details added |
Return of the Jedi (1983) | Dark Gray | Same model, more worn and battle-damaged |
Special Editions (1997) | Black | Original film footage digitally altered |
Prequels (1999-2005) | Black | New CGI and physical models |
Sequels (2015-) | Black | Updated CGI and physical Black One model |
So in summary, the iconic original Millennium Falcon was gray for the first two decades of Star Wars films. It only became black starting with the 1997 Special Editions. This was likely done to create visual consistency with the then-upcoming prequels. But it represents a change from the original on-screen appearance of the most famous ship in the galaxy!
Why the Falcon’s Color Matters
Some may ask why the color of the Millennium Falcon even matters – does it really make a difference whether it’s black or gray? Here are a few reasons why the ship’s color is significant:
- It provides insight into the original design process and intentions of Ralph McQuarrie and the model makers who conceived the Falcon.
- It clears up a technical detail that has been inaccurately stated in some reference sources.
- It highlights how subsequent retcons and alterations do not always align with original artistic choices.
- The iconic visual identity of such a well-known ship is important to understand and preserve.
- The story of its color change reflects wider changes to Star Wars with the Special Editions and prequels.
In short, the Millennium Falcon’s color holds significance as a matter of film history and insight into the Star Wars saga’s development. The beloved ship’s original gray appearance on screen deserves to be acknowledged.
In Closing
The exact color of models and props might seem minor, but helps complete our understanding of how beloved films were made. The evidence shows the original Millennium Falcon was conceived, built, and shot on film as a dark gray ship – not black as it appears today. This small detail opens up a window into the work and decisions that brought this iconic Star Wars vehicle to life. The Falcon’s journey from gray to black reminds us of the many subtle ways the saga has evolved over 40+ years of entertainment history.