10 things you probably didn't know about Stormtroopers.
Number 01.
By now it's common knowledge that stormtroopers were named after the German Sturmtruppen of World War I -
the likes of whom were tasked with mounting fierce infantry assaults on Allied trenches.
However, their unwavering loyalty to the Emperor and reputation for excessive force...
...bore more of a resemblance to the original paramilitary wing of the Nazi party,
as well as the independent Armed SS units.
Number 02.
Contrary to popular belief,
due to its ability to deflect glancing blows not direct blaster fire,
stormtrooper armour was technically one of the strongest in the entire galaxy.
Additionally, each set comprised eighteen plastoid plates respectively.
Number 03.
The cylindrical container on the back of every soldier...
...was originally intended as a holster for lightsabers.
Yes, stormtroopers weren't always destined to wield blasters.
When the idea was scrapped, however,
they became N-20 Baradium-core thermal detonators manufactured by BlasTech Industries.
Number 04.
Sticking with their apparel,
stormtrooper armour had to be worn at all times in an effort to maintain a sense of professionalism.
They were also forbidden from using the built-in internal cooling systems unless it was absolutely necessary.
If that wasn't bad enough,
their comlink conversations were recorded, downloaded and reviewed.
This prevented any potential rebellious behaviour,
and drastically reduced non-essential communication.
Number 05.
In Episode IV, when Luke Skywalker muttered the line:
“I can't see a thing in this helmet,”
he was being completely genuine.
Indeed, Mark Hamill couldn't help but voice his concern over the poor visibility his undercover gear granted,
failing to realise that the cameras were rolling.
Number 06.
Initially, the design team for A New Hope were tasked with constructing fifty stormtrooper helmets...
...from High Density Polyethylene –
the same unique green plastic used for milk cartons.
Unfortunately, as designer Andrew Ainsworth would later recall,
the helmets were not very aesthetically pleasing up close.
And so, six “hero” helmets were crafted using a higher quality ABS plastic...
...for Han and Luke's rescue of Princess Leia.
Number 07.
Speaking of which,
Ainsworth was sued by Lucasfilm for selling replica stormtrooper helmets made from his original resin,
filler and metal dust-crafted moulds.
While he did so in order to pay off his school debts,
Andrew somehow won the $20 million lawsuit, outwith the United States.
He has since expanded his operation worldwide, as a result.
Number 08.
In Star Wars Legends,
female stormtroopers were extremely rare under Palpatine's reign.
In fact, there were never more than three female soldiers within an entire legion.
Number 09.
30, 984 stormtroopers perished in the destruction of the first Death Star,
although the exact number in canon has yet to be confirmed.
And, last but not least...
Celebrity cameos in the Star Wars franchise are far from rare -
and due to the identity-concealing suits provided by stormtroopers,
many famous faces have filled the shoes of Imperial and First Order foot soldiers.
Such illustrious names include Daniel Craig, Kevin Smith, Michael Giacchino –
the very man who composed the score for Rogue One – and Radiohead's Nigel Godrich.
There are even rumours of Tom Hardy, Gary Barlow,
and even Princes William and Harry making uncredited cameos in future films.
Were you surprised by any of today's facts?
Let us know in the comments below!
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