Stormtrooper (Dual Molded Helmet)
sw0997 · Star Wars
Original Trilogy / Episode IV A New Hope · First released in 2019 (specifically appearing in set 75235 and 75262). This era marked the 20th Anniversary of LEGO Star Wars.
Figure ID
sw0997
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
First released in 2019 (specifically appearing in set 75235 and 75262). This era marked the 20th Anniversary of LEGO Star Wars.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While widely produced, this specific version replaced the previous 2014-2018 mold. It is readily available in secondary markets due to high set volume.
Head
Standard 'Angry Clone' or 'Fleshtone' face underneath (not visible in image); the helmet featured is the complex 2019 dual-molded white and black piece with printed blue vents and gray highlights.
Torso
White torso with black/gray mechanical suit printing, including thermal detonator on the back and black hands. (Minifigure body not shown in image).
Legs
White legs with black hip piece and printed knee plate/utility detail. (Minifigure legs not shown in image).
Accessories
Typically paired with a black E-11 blaster rifle or a stud shooter in junior sets (4+).
Color Scheme
Primary white and black with accent colors of sand blue for the cooling vents and light bluish gray for the respirator detailing.
Printing Details
High precision pad printing. The helmet is notable for 'dual-molding' where the black plastic (frown/visor) is injected with the white plastic, ensuring the black doesn't scratch off.
Variants
Variants include 'Sandtrooper' with dirt printing, 'Shadow Trooper' in black, and a slightly modified version with a 2023 update for the 'TIE Bomber' set (sw1249).
Condition Notes
The dual-molded helmet is highly durable; however, the white plastic is prone to UV yellowing over time. Check for 'neck cracks' on the torso if the full figure is present.
Estimated Value
The full minifigure (sw0997) is valued at $4.00 - $6.00 USD used, or $7.00 - $9.00 USD new. The helmet alone is approximately $1.50 - $2.50 USD.
Price (New)
Commonly included in sets ranging from $14.99 (Battle Packs) to $159.99 (Imperial Star Destroyer).
Compatible Sets
75235 X-Wing Starfighter Trench Run, 75262 Imperial Dropship, 75229 Death Star Escape, 75300 Imperial TIE Fighter, 75311 Imperial Armored Marauder.
Character Background
The iconic foot soldier of the Galactic Empire, modeled after the stormtroopers appearing in the Star Wars original trilogy films.
Design Notes
The 2019 'Great Helmet Debate' was sparked by this mold; some fans found it too large ('Family Guy style') compared to the 2014 version, as it cannot rotate well when resting on a torso.
Similar Minifigures
sw0585 (2014 Stormtrooper), sw1249 (2023 Stormtrooper), sw0188 (Classic 2008 Stormtrooper).
Collectibility
High for army builders; low for speculative investors. Most LEGO Star Wars fans own dozens of these.
History
Represents the fourth major redesign of the Stormtrooper helmet since 1999, moving toward screen-accurate but bulkier proportions.
Interesting Facts
Despite being 'dual-molded' for better quality, the helmet printing alignment on the blue side-vents often varies slightly between production batches.
Display Suggestions
Ideal for 'Army Building' on gray baseplates or displayed in a line within a 20th Anniversary commemorative scene.
Modification Potential
The helmet is a popular piece for 'purist' MOCs of Imperial facilities; the head can be swapped with various civilian faces to create 'undercover' scenes.
Overall Assessment
The 2019 Stormtrooper is a technically impressive but controversial figure due to the helmet size. It remains the current standard for Imperial dioramas.