Stormtroopers and Clone Troopers: A Comprehensive Look at the Different Types and Designs in Star Wars

Summary

Doug Chan, Vice President and Executive Creative Director for Lucasfilm, and Madeline Burker, Lucasfilm’s Collections and Exhibitions Archivist, explore the various types of stormtroopers and clone troopers in the Star Wars universe. They delve into the design elements and special features that make each type of trooper unique, from the iconic white armor of the stormtroopers to the various patterns and colors used to denote rank within the clone trooper armor. Additionally, they discuss the evolution of the helmet designs and how they reflect the different factions and environments within the Star Wars universe, providing a comprehensive look at the distinct features that set each trooper type apart.

Stormtrooper Designs
Clone Trooper Designs
Combining Elements of Different Trooper Types
Design Evolution of Helmets
Conclusion

Stormtrooper Designs

The stormtroopers are some of the most recognizable characters in the Star Wars universe. Doug Chan and Madeline Burker discuss the different types of stormtroopers, noting the updates made to design elements in newer iterations. The First Order stormtroopers feature cleaner lines and edges, utilizing updated construction methods to look sleeker and more menacing. Captain Phasma’s costume was also updated in The Last Jedi to appear even stronger and shinier. Flame troopers have backpacks that provide power for their flame rifles, while riot control stormtroopers have unique weapons like their menacing baton and shield. The Death Troopers have a distinct mandible-like mask and are sleek and powerful like SEAL Team Six, while the Mimbin and Mudtroopers have capes and elements of World War I soldiers. The elite Praetorian Guards have three different helmet variations and coordinate weapons with their costume design, reminiscent of samurai style.

Clone Trooper Designs

Clone troopers were introduced in the prequel trilogy, and Doug Chan and Madeline Burker examine the various design elements and colors used to denote rank within the clone trooper armor. The Clone Troopers on Geonosis are primarily colored in shades of white and blue, while the Clone Troopers on Kamino feature detailed patterns and colored armor plates to denote rank. The Clone Trooper armor evolves over the course of the prequel trilogy, with modifications and enhancements made to the design. Additionally, the different types of Clone Troopers, such as the ARC Troopers and the Clone Commandos, are given distinct features and designs to reflect their specific roles within the army.

Combining Elements of Different Trooper Types

Doug Chan and Madeline Burker discuss how the Star Wars franchise combines design elements from different types of troopers to create new and unique characters. For example, the Imperial Patrol Troopers on Karelia feature a blend of Scout Trooper design elements with Han Solo’s face on the helmet, while the Ranged Troopers have magnetic boots with hydraulic mechanisms to create the illusion of magnetism. The First Order Jet Troopers have jet packs and an homage to an original production painting on their insignia, while the Treadspeeder driver is a combination of Stormtrooper armor and a Biker Scout. The Electro-Prod Stormtrooper has a new weapon, and the Sith Trooper is designed to evoke strength. The Sith Jet Trooper combines elements of both the Sith Trooper and the First Order Jet Trooper.

Design Evolution of Helmets

One of the most distinctive design elements of the different types of troopers in the Star Wars universe is their helmets. Doug Chan and Madeline Burker describe how the helmets have evolved over the course of the franchise to reflect different factions and environments. For example, the Clone Trooper helmets feature fin-like elements that are reminiscent of aquatic creatures, while the First Order stormtrooper helmet features a unique shape that is designed to mimic a skull. The evolution of the helmet designs reflects the changing stylistic choices within the Star Wars universe, as well as the influence of different cultures and factions.

Conclusion

Doug Chan and Madeline Burker provide a comprehensive look at the different types of stormtroopers and clone troopers in the Star Wars franchise. They discuss the unique design elements and special features that make each type of trooper memorable, from the iconic white armor of the stormtroopers to the various patterns and colors used to denote rank within the clone trooper armor. Furthermore, the designers of the Star Wars franchise combine elements from different types of troopers to create new and unique characters, while the evolution of the helmet designs reflects the changing stylistic choices within the franchise. Overall, their discussion provides insight into the intricacies of Star Wars design and the ways in which it has evolved over time.