The Power Of The Force Mos Eisley Cantina

3/18/2026

The Power of the Force Mos Eisley Cantina backdrop remains one of the most memorable display pieces released during Hasbro's Power of the Force 2 era. Released in 1998, this Mos Eisley Cantina cardboard backdrop gave collectors an affordable and visually impressive way to recreate one of the most iconic locations from Star Wars. Even today, it stands out as a fun and nostalgic centerpiece for anyone building a classic late-1990s Star Wars display.

Availability

The Mos Eisley Cantina backdrop was offered in two different ways. Collectors could purchase it at regular retail for $18.99, where it was packaged together with an exclusive Sandtrooper action figure (you can find the figure entry here). The backdrop was also available through the Star Wars Fan Club, where collectors could order it for $7.75 by mailing in two proofs of purchase with each backdrop request. Although both versions included the same cardboard backdrop, this article focuses on the regular retail release that came bundled with the exclusive Sandtrooper figure.

Release Details

The Mos Eisley Cantina backdrop was released in 1998 during Hasbro's Power of the Force (2) line. The backdrop itself is a fully assembled cardboard display that requires only minimal setup. All that is needed is to connect a few cardboard tabs and fold the piece into place. Assembly should take no more than about five minutes, and even though an instruction sheet is included, the design is simple enough that most collectors could likely put it together without it.

Display Features

One of the most appealing aspects of the Power of the Force Mos Eisley Cantina is the artwork printed on the cardboard. The interior features the familiar cantina setting with the bar area in the center, seating areas with two tables, and a dedicated space that works especially well for the Han Solo and Greedo showdown. Just as impressive is the fact that the outside of the Mos Eisley Cantina is printed as well, making the backdrop look good from both sides. For collectors displaying their collection in an open area where both the front and back might be visible, this was a very thoughtful design choice.

Power of the Force 2 Context

By 1998, the Power of the Force 2 line had improved significantly compared to its earliest years. While the line began with some overly muscular action figures, it had settled into a much more balanced style by the time this backdrop was released. Figures such as Han Solo and Greedo even featured knee articulation, which made them better suited for display inside the Mos Eisley Cantina. Another excellent companion piece was the Cantina band member figure, which at the time was only available through the Fan Club and added a much needed character for this diorama.

Collector Display Appeal

Another nice benefit of the Mos Eisley Cantina backdrop is its display-friendly size. It fits very comfortably inside an IKEA Billy bookcase, both in terms of depth and length, which made it easy for collectors to incorporate into their collection rooms. For many longtime collectors, this backdrop stayed on display for more than 20 years, right up until Hasbro eventually introduced the HasLab Mos Eisley Cantina with plastic components instead of cardboard. For a very long time, however, this simpler cardboard version was the go-to cantina environment for modern-era collectors.

Final Thoughts

Its lasting appeal was also helped by Hasbro continuing to release Mos Eisley Cantina aliens over the years. That meant collectors could keep expanding the display long after the original backdrop had been released. As more characters joined the shelves, the backdrop continued to feel relevant and useful, giving many Power of the Force 2 figures and later releases a proper home inside one of the most recognizable environments in the Star Wars galaxy.

All in all, the Power of the Force Mos Eisley Cantina remains a very enjoyable and practical display piece. It is easy to assemble, visually effective, and still has plenty of charm decades after its release. If you come across one on the secondary market at a reasonable price, it is absolutely worth considering. It is an instant display solution, and it gives a pile of Power of the Force 2 figures a fitting place to call home.