Death Star Escape With Firing Canon And Removable Bridge!

4/7/2026

Released in 1996 as part of Hasbro's Power of the Force line, the Power of the Force Death Star Escape playset offered collectors an affordable and interactive way to recreate one of the most memorable moments from Star Wars: A New Hope. Priced at just $9.99 at retail, this set now stands out as an incredible value in hindsight, especially considering the play features and display potential it still offers nearly 30 years later. Designed around the iconic Death Star Escape sequence, this playset remains a nostalgic centerpiece for fans looking to capture that classic cinematic moment.

Packaging And Assembly

The Power of the Force Death Star Escape playset was released in the classic orange Power of the Force packaging, complete with the iconic Darth Vader helmet logo that defined the line throughout the mid-1990s. Inside, collectors were greeted with a multi-piece playset that required a bit more effort than expected to assemble. While the setup process is not complicated, it is somewhat time-consuming, with multiple components to connect and a sticker sheet to apply. Expect to spend roughly 20 to 30 minutes to get everything properly assembled and ready for display.

Play Features

This playset shines when it comes to its interactive elements. The blast door can be fully closed, completely removed, or positioned slightly raised, allowing collectors to recreate the moment where Stormtroopers attempt to force their way underneath. This simple but effective feature adds versatility and enhances display options. The central bridge section is removable as well, giving collectors flexibility when setting up the scene or placing figures.

Additional play features include a firing cannon mounted above the bridge, complete with a missile projectile. Pegs placed throughout the platforms help secure figures in place, although the bulky proportions of early Power of the Force figures limit how many can comfortably fit within the environment.

Screen Accuracy And Accessories

At the time of release, figure accuracy was still evolving, and this impacted how well collectors could recreate the scene. The available Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Stormtrooper figures featured exaggerated, muscular sculpts, making it difficult to stage them naturally within the playset. Additionally, no Luke figure included a Stormtrooper belt, which would have improved screen accuracy.

To work around this, Hasbro included a string with an attachable belt, allowing collectors to simulate the famous swing across the chasm. This was a clever solution and works with any figure.

Color Differences To The Packaging

There are a few interesting discrepancies between the packaging and the final product. The box art shows a white string, while the actual release included a black one. Likewise, certain components of the cannon are depicted in black on the packaging but are actually white.

Display And Collectibility

Despite showing its age, the Power of the Force Death Star Escape playset still holds up as a charming display piece. Modern 3.75-inch figures, especially from The Vintage Collection, fit into the environment much better and allow collectors to create a more screen-accurate diorama. Since Hasbro has not revisited this specific scene in a dedicated playset format, this release continues to fill an important gap for Death Star displays.

Even better, the Power of the Force Death Star Escape playset remains relatively affordable on the secondary market. Whether discovered at a toy show or through online listings, it offers collectors a practical and nostalgic way to bring the Death Star Escape scene to life. Happy hunting and collecting, and thanks for reading this article!