In Odessa, Ukraine, the force really has been awakened with a statue of Vladimir Lenin being converted into one of the dark lord himself, Darth Vader.
While the rest of the world was trying to figure out what The Force Awakens trailer reveals about the new film, artist Alexander Milov – whose work appeared at Burning Man this year – was busy creating what he claims is the world’s first-ever monument to Vader (the Sith lord formerly known as Anakin Skywalker).
Milov transformed the Soviet-era statue after new legislation (the “decommunisation” laws) came into force in Ukraine, which demands all remnants and symbols of the country’s communist past be taken down.
Fittingly, the statue will radiate a force (the head contains a Wi-Fi hotspot) and Milov hopes that the monument will attract Star Wars fans from around the world.
Reports claim the original statue was made of gypsum, which had weakened over time, with Milov strengthening the structure and adding a helmet and cape made of titanium alloy.
Darth Lenin is in a factory in the Black Sea port city, which has been the location of clashes between separatist and pro-Ukraine forces, and recently saw pro-western former Georgian leader Mikheil Saakashvili installed as governor of the region.
Ukrainian politics is no stranger to the influence of Star Wars. The Internet Party of Ukraine put forward Darth Vader as candidate for prime minister last year, alongside other candidates Chewbacca, Padmé Amidala and Yoda. The party wasn’t successful.
Disney’s own official PR campaign for the film saw the company place 500 stormtroopers on the Great Wall of China, while giant billboards flashed with the message “The Force Awakens”.
