Creating movies can be expensive, with some budgets soaring into the hundreds of millions. To cut back on expenses, not all props are uniquely crafted for each film. Many are recycled from previous productions, showing Hollywood’s resourceful side. From the submarine from Raiders of the Lost Ark to the legendary Batmobile, Iconic cinema treasures are often not originals. Filmmakers ingeniously cut costs by scavenging through old prop collections, breathing new life into these items. Let’s take a look at some of the props that have been reused throughout Hollywood’s history.
#1: Pods in Sci-Fi Movies
Sci-fi films often command substantial budgets due to their futuristic technology and visually stunning landscapes. Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking 1968 film, 2001: A Space Odyssey, introduced audiences to EVA pods, showcasing Kubrick’s commitment to cinematic innovation.
To maintain the integrity of his creations, Kubrick had the film’s props destroyed post-production. However, in a surprising turn of events, the EVA pods made an unexpected cameo in the junkyard scene of Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace in 1999, long after Kubrick’s passing. This unintentional crossover is a testament to the enduring legacy of Kubrick’s iconic sci-fi imagery.