Different Types of Clone Troopers and Stormtroopers Revealed in Star Wars Franchise
Summary
Lucasfilm designers Doug Chan and Madeline Burker talk about the different types of Clone Troopers and Stormtroopers developed in the Star Wars live-action films. They discuss the original concept of the Imperial Stormtrooper, designed as an iconic living skeleton in stark black and white armor, along with the unique armor and helmets of Sandtroopers, Snowtroopers, Tie Fighter Pilots, Scout Trooper, AT-AT Pilot, and Imperial Royal Guards. They also highlight the introduction of Clone Troopers in Episode 2, Attack of the Clones, and their distinct color pattern for distinguishing ranks.
Table of Contents
- The Original Stormtrooper Design
- Unique Design of Different Stormtroopers and Clone Troopers
- Tailoring the Trooper Variations to Environment and Tasks
- New Troopers in the Upcoming Star Wars Movie
The Original Stormtrooper Design
The Imperial Stormtrooper was initially designed as an iconic living skeleton with stark black and white armor, and a stylized skull helmet designed by Ralph McQuarrie. The designers focused on incorporating new materials to create a streamlined, updated look that still evokes the original stormtrooper design. The Sandtrooper and Snowtrooper were modified versions of the Stormtrooper armor, with the former including a backpack made from found objects and a shoulder pauldron made from motorcycle protective gear. The Space Trooper included a breathing apparatus and chest armor with the same design as the Death Star Bridge. Tie Fighter Pilots were all black with a helmet that used the same breathing apparatus but had different components. The AT-AT Pilot wore a helmet derived from the Stormtrooper and Tie Fighter Pilot helmets, and chest armor that was originally from the latter’s uniform. The Imperial Royal Guards wore a distinctive cherry-red uniform with an exotic, mysterious face. The Scout Trooper was suited for forest environments, with a pistol mounted on their boot, and an open-mouthed helmet designed to evoke biker iconography. The Clone Trooper, first introduced in Episode 2, Attack of the Clones, was originally created as a CG character, and designed to connect Boba Fett to the classic stormtrooper with a blend of the two helmets. The different colors and color patterns on the Phase 2 Clone Trooper armor were used to distinguish rank, unlike the classic white Stormtrooper armor. The time period during Order 66 saw the individuality of Clone Troopers asserting itself through their named characters and unique costumes, including Commander Cody. The Elite Core Clone Trooper during the Battle of Kashyyyk blended elements of the classic stormtrooper with the Scout Trooper’s open-face scream.
Unique Design of Different Stormtroopers and Clone Troopers
The transcript discusses various types of stormtrooper designs throughout the Star Wars franchise, from the classic stormtroopers to the First Order and beyond. Some of the new designs include the flame troopers, riot control troopers, mega blaster stormtroopers, snowtroopers, TIE pilots, assault tank pilots, Death Troopers, and Shore Troopers. The Praetorian Guards and Mimbin Stormtroopers have specific designs and helmets coordinated with their weaponry, while the Mudtroopers draw inspiration from World War I soldiers. The Executioner Troopers and Captain Phasma’s chromed armor also have unique designs.
Tailoring the Trooper Variations to Environment and Tasks
Each stormtrooper variation is tailored to fit their environment and express their individual skills and tasks. The designers used new materials, such as an ABS in different thicknesses, to achieve a sleeker design that gave a better range of motion while still maintaining the classic stormtrooper look. They also utilized unique color schemes and patterns to differentiate Stormtroopers’ responsibilities, including the riot control troopers and their striking red accents. Additionally, the designers created the Sith Trooper to evoke the muscle and internal strength that a soldier possesses, and the Sith Jet Trooper to combine elements of Sith and First Order Jet Trooper.
New Troopers in the Upcoming Star Wars Movie
The article concludes with a teaser of the new troopers to come in the upcoming Star Wars movie. While no specific details were disclosed, the designers hinted at the possibility of new trooper variations based on the movie’s environments, drawing inspiration from different cultures, and incorporating different materials and design elements. The excitement of fans can only grow as they await the unveiling of the latest trooper designs in the Star Wars movie.
Conclusion
The designers of the different types of Clone Troopers and Stormtroopers featured in the Star Wars live-action films have been meticulous in crafting unique and distinctive armor and helmets that fit the needs of their responsibilities and environments. The new materials used and the streamlined design achieve an updated look while still retaining the classic stormtrooper aesthetic. It will be exciting to see the new trooper variations and the designers’ ingenuity in the upcoming Star Wars movie.
