Profiles in History will pay tribute and honor to special effects master Grant McCune as they present McCune Masterworks at the 2015 Comic-Con International: San Diego, July 8 – 12. Profiles in History will devote its entire Comic-Con booth (#1605) to McCune’s work, highlighted by the original, screen-used, Star Wars IV: A New Hope 18″ miniature “Blockade Runner,” the ship that set the tone for the entire Star Wars franchise, creating an epic cultural phenomenon that would capture audiences worldwide for generations to come. The “Blockade Runner” was the first flying ship audiences around the world saw hurtling through space in the opening sequence of the first Star Wars film, carrying Princess Leia, C-3PO and R2-D2 among its crew. Comic-Con fans will be treated to a rare opportunity to see this iconic piece of movie history up close, as it hasn’t been seen or displayed publicly for nearly 40 years! Mr. McCune, as Chief Model Maker, was one of the primary members of the Team that won the 1978 Academy Award® for Best Visual Effects for the film-and his Oscar® will also be on display.
In addition to the “Blockade Runner,” the McCune Masterworks display will also feature a production made “X-Jet” miniature from X-Men 2 and a German U-Boat filming miniature replica from U-571. All three of these items will be offered as part of Profiles in History’s Fall Hollywood Auction, so Comic-Con visitors will have this unique opportunity to get a sneak peek at these historic film props. A portion of the auction’s proceeds will help fund the upcoming Grant McCune Foundation providing scholarships to young model makers and designers.
Other items on display will include the Spaceballs “Winnebago” spaceship filming miniature and a selection of four incredible Musical Automata: “Survival of the Fittest” (Dodo Bird Evolving), “Confusion” (miniature Art Deco Theater plays movie), “Wired Exports” (Brass Armillary) and “Tender Credibility” (miniature Gold Mine Mountain), and a number of other original McCune Masterworks creations.
