Lucas Film and now Walt Disney Co. must already have built immense fortune from fees generated by merchandise that are based on the popular Star Wars franchise. The flow of profit is not stopping anytime soon if gadgets like a recently released R2-D2 Coffee Press are any indication.
It is unclear whether R2-D2 would be pleased with his latest incarnation as a coffee machine. However, in case he is offended, he can no longer do anything about it because the device is already up for preorder.
To be fair, the R2-D2 Coffee Press remained true to the beloved robot's appearance. It looks like the real thing except for the clear glass at the bottom part, which could understandably lead one to think that this R2-D2 could be a tad too exposed down there.
Now, make no mistake: the R2-D2 Coffee Press is quite useful. It is capable of brewing up to 32 ounces of coffee, serving its owner several steaming cups for each refill.
"Let R2 help you navigate your mornings more successfully with this Star Wars R2-D2 Coffee Press. He's happy to help a human in need," the product's description stated at ThinkGeek."For folks playing along at home, that's 4 cups, so even if your motivator is so bad that the Jawas put you back on the scrap heap, he can still get you going."
Unlike the real McCoy, however, this R2-D2 is not outfitted with sophisticated circuitry and advanced artificial intelligence technology. One cannot expect it, therefore, to pilot an X-wing starfighter much less command the dishwasher after its use. It works like an ordinary coffee press, which means the owner has to do much of the dirty work: coffee grinding, brewing, pressing, mixing, the whole nine yards.
The coffee press, which measures 6.50 x 9.5 x 6.5 inches, is being sold by a company called ThinkGeek. The price starts at $39.99. Now, the machine is estimated to ship by early December, just in time for Christmas. However, customers who have placed their order on or before Oct. 3 will get their coffee press in the early part of November.
ThinkGeek seems to be anticipating a huge demand. The company is maintaining that a customer is only entitled to two R2-D2 Coffee Press and nothing more. That expectation might very well prove legitimate since there is no Star Wars movie showing during the holidays.
Presently, fans have to make do with the third season of Star Wars Rebels, which heralds the return of Darth Maul and the arrival of Wedge Antilles.
