10 Weirdest Movie Merchandise Ever Made
It’s no secret that the world of movie merch is a lucrative one for Hollywood, offering
fans items or toys to take them right back to their favorite movies.
But some products on the market are a little more questionable than others.
Keep these in mind the next time the next time you need gift inspiration for the movie
buff in your life.
Here are Screen Rant’s 10 Weirdest Movie Merchandise Ever Made.
R2D2 Aquarium
Star Wars is a merchandise juggernaut, spanning the saga’s nearly 40 year legacy.
But when New York-based retailer Hammacher Schlemmer got involved, fans weren’t sure
about their contribution to the merchandise canon.
Known for supplying an eclectic array of gadgetry, the company prides itself on its weirdness.
For only $79.95, collectors could own the R2D2 Aquarium, which has since been removed
from their catalogue.
The droid housed an almost two-gallon tank, and included a built-in periscope for a different
angle on the aquatic action.
With all the color-changing lights, themed backdrops, and voice-activated sound effects,
the aesthetic of this aquarium was designed with humans in mind, not fish – which kind
of defeats the purpose.
James Bond Candles
The suits, booze, and cars all add to the glamorous persona of James Bond, but one product
goes a step further.
In an attempt to capitalize on all aspects of 007, clothing and lifestyle brand TOCCA
created the James Bond Candle.
For only $38, buyers can make their homes smell just like Bond’s!
Inspired by his signature car and drink, the candle’s marketed as having “rich, leathery
smell” reflective of Bond’s environment.
Some fans may question just what the product has to do with the star spy, but considering
how bankable the character has become, it’s not surprising.
Harry Potter Vibrating Nimbus 2000
Toy manufacturer Mattel made quite a fuss when they released a replica Nimbus 2000 from
the Harry Potter franchise.
Excited fans flocked to buy them, eager to practice for Quidditch tryouts themselves.
Marketed as a kids toy, the battery-operated broomstick had a vibration feature, which
normally wouldn’t be a big deal.
But because of the nature and placement of the broom, parents thought it was a little
too adult.
The Nimbus was pulled from the shelves and has since been replaced with a different,
non-vibrating model made by another manufacturer.
The original brooms are still flying around on eBay, but because of their rarity, they
can cost upwards of $100.
Assembled The Avengers Cologne Set
Marvel’s Avengers are known for many things, but how they smell isn’t one of them - until
NOW.
The makers of The Avengers Cologne Set want you to smell like your favorite superhero,
with fragrances inspired by Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, and the Hulk sold individually
or as a set.
The idea comes from Jads International, who released a similar line for Star Trek, but
this version makes even less sense.
It seems counter-intuitive to intentionally smell like the inside of a sweaty suit of
Iron Man armor, but according to the reviews, Tony Stark’s scent is the fan favorite.
We can’t say we’re surprised.
The “Dark Vador” Burger
Almost every fast food chain has paired up with Hollywood marketing at some point, from
commercials to toys, and everything in between.
When a french chain named Quick was promoting the release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom
Menace 3D, they didn’t bother with toys, and just got creative with the food itself.
When Star Wars-themed burgers hit the menu, diners were shocked to see that one of them
came on a black burger bun.
The “Dark Vador” burger was a double-pattied behemoth, leaving customers split on almost
every aspect.
But the loudest critics questioned the logic of a burger dedicated to a character who technically
isn’t even seen in the movie being promoted.
The Matrix Reloaded Cell Phone
The Matrix showed audiences a darker side of technology, but an impressively advanced
one, all the same.
It comes as no surprise that the theme continued with the marketing plans for The Matrix Reloaded.
The movie characters preferred to use Samsung’s SPH-n270, and replicas were released in a
limited number to the public in 2003.
But it didn’t stop with the snap-sliding phone: they came pre-loaded with Matrix propaganda,
making it a Matrix-lover’s dream from the ringtones to the menu design.
Considering how fast the phones themselves became dated and obsolete, you’d think they’d
be affordable by now.
But they’re not for the budget-conscious shopper, and can run up to $2,500 on eBay.
A high price to pay considering it only displays 8 lines of text.
Rocky Action Figures: The Meat, Wheelchair Rocky
Sealed action figures can be a high-value collectors item, especially if they’re part
of a limited release.
Toy company Jakks Pacific has released many Rocky knickknacks, but two of them stand out
for all the wrong reasons.
The Meat figurine is an homage to the infamous meat locker scene from the original film,
with Rocky II getting a post-fight figure of Rocky in a wheelchair.
It even comes complete with bruises for extra authenticity!
There’s a lot to love about Rocky Balboa, but his merchandise isn’t one of them.
300 Leather Briefs
Zack Snyder’s graphic novel action film 300 chronicles the topless battle at Thermopylae
between the Spartans and Persians, and singlehandedly motivated thousands of people to start hitting
the gym like never before.
And, naturally, licensed replicas of Spartan leather briefs hit the market to capitalize
on the trend.
Ranging from $79 to $95, it seems a small price to pay to make a movie fan feel like
one of the chiseled soldiers – even if they don’t look like one.
Spartan briefs can be bought, but the matching washboard abs can only be earned.
C3PO Tape Dispenser
As we’ve mentioned earlier, Star Wars has some of the weirdest themed merchandise on
the market.
Modifying everyday items like toasters, beds, and guitars in the brand’s image has proven
a no-brainer, but finally, the old “boring tape dispenser” problem has been solved
by Sigma, the group responsible for the ceramic C3PO tape dispenser.
If its mere existence isn't crazy enough, consider that one in mint condition sold for
$200 on eBay in 2014.
Some fans have commented on the dispenser’s awkward facial features, while others ask
the more important question: why is the roll of tape coming from between C3PO’s legs?
another person.
Letters to E.T
Ever since its release in 1982, E.T.
has been widely beloved by audiences.
Too bad the same can’t be said about it’s merchandise.
The 1983 book “Letters to E.T.” is exactly what it sounds like: a series of letters written
to the friendly extraterrestrial.
Penned by people from all walks of life, the letters praise both the alien and director
Steven Spielberg, with a few explaining how badly the senders hope to meet E.T.
someday.
The book was probably intended to capture the nostalgia among fans, but was critically
panned as nothing more than a published case of ego-stroking on Spielberg’s part.
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