Stormtrooper (Dual Molded Helmet, Gray Squares on Back)
sw0997 · Star Wars
Original Trilogy · 2019
Figure ID
sw0997
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2019
Rarity
Uncommon. While widely produced in mass-market sets, this specific version with dual-molded helmets replaced the 2014-2018 style and is highly sought after for army building despite mixed initial fan reception.
Head
Standard 'Angry Clone' face (flesh tone) under the helmet. The helmet is the definitive feature: a dual-molded white and black plastic piece with detailed printing for the eyes, vents, and breathers.
Torso
White torso with Stormtrooper armor printing front and back. Features the 'new' 2019 print style with gray squares on the back plate. White arms and black hands.
Legs
White legs and hips with black hip joint. This version does not typically feature toe or side-leg printing, maintaining a clean 'classic' look aligned with the 2019 redesign.
Accessories
Typically paired with a standard black E-11 blaster rifle (medium blaster) or a small stud shooter in play sets. No capes or specialized gear are standard for this 'sw0997' variant.
Color Scheme
Primary white and black. The dual-molded helmet removes the need for some black printing by using black plastic for the eye and chin areas, creating a high-contrast, clean look.
Printing Details
High-fidelity pad printing. The torso includes fine lines for the utility belt and armor segments. The helmet printing is crisp, though the dual-molding process means the black 'frown' is plastic rather than paint.
Variants
Variants include sw1004 (detailed leg printing), sw0585 (previous helmet mold), and sw1230 (updated 2022 torso). This sw0997 is the standard 'grunt' version without leg detailing.
Condition Notes
The dual-molded helmet is prone to 'mis-alignment' during factory production where the black plastic doesn't perfectly center. Check for yellowing on the white plastic and 'arm cracks' on the white torso.
Estimated Value
New/Mint: $8.00 - $12.00 | Used: $5.00 - $7.00. Value remains stable due to high demand for army building.
Price (New)
Originally available in the 75262 Imperial Dropship – 20th Anniversary Edition ($19.99) and 75235 X-Wing Starfighter Trench Run ($29.99).
Compatible Sets
75262 (Imperial Dropship), 75235 (X-Wing Starfighter Trench Run), 75245 (2019 Advent Calendar).
Character Background
The faceless enforcers of the Galactic Empire. This specific design is based on their appearance in 'A New Hope' and 'The Empire Strikes Back'.
Design Notes
The 2019 redesign was controversial because the helmet is slightly larger and 'droopy' compared to previous iterations, and it cannot rotate fully when the figure has certain neck gear.
Similar Minifigures
sw1004 (Stormtrooper with leg printing), sw0188 (Classic 2008 Stormtrooper), sw0585 (Rebels-style Stormtrooper).
Collectibility
High. Stormtroopers are the most 'army-built' figures in LEGO history. Even with the helmet controversy, collectors buy these in bulk for dioramas.
History
Represents the third major evolution of the LEGO Stormtrooper helmet since 1999. This 'Dual Molded' era began in 2019 to increase detail and durability.
Interesting Facts
The helmet in the photo was a major technological step for LEGO, using two different colors of plastic injected into one mold, similar to the process used for modern 'C-3PO' dual-molded legs.
Display Suggestions
Display in ranks on a gray baseplate for an 'Imperial Inspection' scene. The clear case shown in the image is excellent for preventing dust, which shows easily on white plastic.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' customs. The legs can be swapped with printed ones from sw1004 for a more detailed 'Elite' trooper look.
Overall Assessment
A solid, modern staple of the LEGO Star Wars line. While some fans prefer the 2014 helmet mold, the sw0997 is a high-quality, durable figure essential for any Imperial collector.