Hasbro, Inc. and Lucasfilm Ltd. announce the creation of a limited-edition Star Wars action figure to honor Katie Johnson, a very special Star Wars fan who tragically passed away from brain cancer in 2005 at the age of seven. In conjunction with this figure, Hasbro and Lucasfilm will help make more wishes come true for children like Katie by donating $100,000 in her memory to the Make-A-Wish Foundations of South Carolina and San Diego. Hasbro’s R2-KT droid figure will be available at San Diego Comic-Con International July 25-29 at the booths of Hasbro and StarWarsShop with a small inventory also being offered for sale online through HasbroToyShop.com and StarWarsShop.com following the event.
The Star Wars saga has always been near to the heart of the Johnson family–in fact, Katie’s father, Albin Johnson, is the founder of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costuming fan club that performs charity work around the world. So it’s not too surprising that Katie’s sister Allie wished her sister had an “Artoo” droid to look after her while she underwent her cancer treatment–just like R2-D2 cared for Padmé in Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones.
In 2005, the R2-D2 Builders club—a fan group—created for Katie a life-size astromech droid named R2-KT (named “KT” after Katie) modeled after the iconic R2-D2 character in the Star Wars films. Hasbro, the maker of Star Wars action figures, and Lucasfilm both recognized the uniqueness and special story this heartfelt tribute represented and decided to go forward with a special edition 3-3/4” R2-KT figure in Katie’s honor as a way to allow all fans to learn about and participate in Katie’s continuing legacy.
“Katie’s story touched us all, and we are very proud to be involved in a project that will help raise awareness for the Make-A-Wish Foundation so many more wishes may be granted to children like Katie,” said Derryl DePriest, marketing director for Star Wars toys at Hasbro.
“The Make-A-Wish Foundation has long been a favorite charity of the 501st and Lucasfilm, and they granted Katie a fantastic wish before she died,” said Derek Stothard, Lucasfilm’s director of toys. “So we are especially proud to be associated with Hasbro in this great endeavor.”
The R2-KT action figure—which looks like a pink version of R2-D2—will cost $9.99. In addition, Albin and Allie Johnson will be bringing the full-size R2-KT to Comic-Con to show to fans. To find out more about the R2-KT project, please visit
www.r2kt.com.
Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
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