This amazing photo shows many legendary Kenner prototypes from late 1978, aimed at expanding the line of playsets for the newly-launched Kenner Star Wars action figure line and building on the anticipation of the "Star Wars Holiday Special".
This early version of the Creature Cantina playset, with preliminary backdrop and alternate plastic base, was featured in photography on the backs of the 20-back Star Wars action figures [cards exhibiting the first and second series of figures from 1978]. While the concept of the playset is close to the final product, none of the details of the actual model made it to the final toy.
The least known figures in this shot are the Wookiees in the right hand corner. These figure mock ups, which are still in existence today, were constructed from other toys to represent Chewbacca's family from the "Star Wars Holiday Special". Itchy and Malla were altered versions of the Chewbacca action figure, while Lumpy was made out of a Fisher Price family action figure. Kenner had plans to issue a set of figures based on Chewbacca's family, but for unknown reasons the concept was abandoned.
The legendary rocket-firing Boba Fett sits prominently in the foreground. Several versions of this action figure were made by Kenner before the concept of a rocket-fire Boba Fett mail away figure was ultimately scrapped. This early mock up was featured in catalog photography and in artwork and photographs for the 20-back action figure mail away offer. "Boba Fett" is mispelled "Boba Fet" on the base and the blaster appears to be an alternate design with paint accents.
For years, collectors have hunted these legendary prototypes well-known from Kenner photography and promotions, and this photo places several in one place at one moment in Kenner history.
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