But not all movie props are destined to become iconic and unforgettable. Some movies have some pretty bad props. Whether that's due to problems on set or just a lack of effort, we still can have a chuckle now when looking at them. The example movie enthusiasts point out most often is the fake plastic baby in American Sniper. Apparently, the real baby got the flu the day they were supposed to be on set, and the understudy didn't show. Well, fake baby doll it is then!
Although the Star Wars franchise can boast its iconic and realistic props, the first prequel, The Phantom Menace, had an interesting prop. CBS News writes how the minuscule communication device used by Qui-Gon Jinn was actually made from a ladies razor. Apparently, it was made from a resin cast of a Gillette Ladies Sensor Excel Razor.
But where do these props (even the bad ones) go when filming is done? Sometimes, the actors get to keep them. Elijah Wood, who played Frodo in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, has admitted to having the One Ring. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, told The Daily Mail in 2011 that he has the character's iconic glasses.
In other cases, movie props go to auctions or private collections, allowing fans to own a piece of their favorite movie memorabilia. Major film studios keep historic props in their warehouses, and they sometimes delegate the storage to independent prop houses.
There are places where fans can see and interact with props, like museums, restaurants, or theme parks. And in some cases, props are given a new purpose when they're given away by charitable organizations.
