The truth is, props are one of the most fascinating elements of filmmaking, and they’re a big part of why we love talking about movies and the world of entertainment. There’s just so much to learn from what happens behind the scenes of our favorite films. We have BTS pictures, actors’ stories, and images of directors doing their work. But one thing not a lot of people talk about is props. Props are incredibly important for giving us a 100% immersive experience, whether the world we’re watching is fictional or not. Imagine watching Harry Potter without his glasses and wand, or Legolas without his iconic bow. Behind the scenes, there are entire teams dedicated to creating these items so not only we, but also the actors, can fully experience these worlds.
What makes behind-the-scenes stories even more fun is discovering what actors do when filming ends. One of the biggest questions is: what happens to those props? Some are thrown away, others are sold, and some end up in the homes of your favorite celebrities. Sometimes actors are allowed to take props, but other times… they just decide to take them anyway. Ready to find out which iconic props made their way off set?
1. Daniel Radcliffe
Best known for playing the iconic Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe managed to take several pairs of Harry’s signature round glasses from the set, glasses he also mentioned breaking more than once. He admitted in interviews that he kept them as personal souvenirs, especially since they evolved slightly throughout the series. While some were gifted, others quietly found their way into his collection. He once joked that he had enough pairs to last a lifetime.
2. Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp, who portrayed Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, kept multiple props from the set, including his iconic rings and even a pistol. Many of these were given to him due to how closely he identified with the character. Depp has mentioned in interviews that he often stayed in character, which made it hard to part with such meaningful items.
3. Emma Watson
Emma Watson took home Hermione Granger’s wand and a few wardrobe pieces after filming Harry Potter. Some were gifted, but others she admitted to keeping because of their emotional significance. She has spoken about how those items remind her of growing up on set and the friendships she built during filming.
4. Chris Hemsworth
After playing Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chris Hemsworth kept his famous hammer, Mjolnir, basically any Marvel fan’s dream. He revealed that it wasn’t exactly easy to walk off with it, but it was ultimately given to him. He now keeps it at home as a fun reminder of his role and occasionally uses it as a playful decoration.
5. Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. took several Iron Man props, including arc reactors and parts of the suit. Some were officially gifted, but he admitted to taking a few smaller items himself, very Tony Stark of him. He’s mentioned in interviews that these pieces represent a huge part of his life and career transformation.
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6. Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart kept Bella Swan’s engagement ring from Twilight. She shared that it held sentimental value due to the years she spent portraying the character. While it’s unclear if she had full permission, she has said it was something she couldn’t leave behind.
7. Rupert Grint
Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, tried to take home a flying car from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, but for obvious reasons, that didn’t work out. Instead, he kept smaller props like sweets from the set. He’s joked that he always wanted more but had to settle for what he could sneak away with.
8. Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt kept a few items from Fight Club, including his character’s leather jacket. Some pieces were gifted, but he admitted that he also held onto things because they felt too iconic to give up. He has said the jacket in particular represents one of his most memorable roles.
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9. Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence kept Katniss Everdeen’s boots from The Hunger Games. She revealed that they were incredibly comfortable and practical, which made her want to keep them. According to her, they were one of the few props she actually used in everyday life afterward.
10. Tom Holland
Tom Holland managed to keep Spider-Man suits and web-shooters from the Marvel films. While some were officially given to him, he admitted that he occasionally “borrowed” items from set. He’s shared that these props helped him feel more connected to the character.
11. Keira Knightley
Keira Knightley took a corset from Pirates of the Caribbean, though she mentioned it wasn’t exactly comfortable. It was given to her after filming, and she keeps it as a reminder of the intense physical demands of the role.
12. Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Reynolds kept Deadpool’s suit after filming. He openly admitted that he took it himself, joking that no one was going to stop him. He has said that the suit represents a passion project he fought years to bring to life.
13. Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie kept a baseball bat from Suicide Squad, used by Harley Quinn. She revealed that she loved how chaotic and fun the prop was. It was reportedly gifted to her, and she still considers it one of her favorite keepsakes.
14. Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield kept his Spider-Man suit from The Amazing Spider-Man films. He admitted that he asked for it specifically because the role meant so much to him. He has described wearing the suit as a childhood dream come true.
15. Elijah Wood
Elijah Wood kept the One Ring from The Lord of the Rings. While multiple rings were used during filming, he managed to get one as a memento. He has said it’s one of the most special items he owns due to the cultural impact of the films.
If you love discovering the stories behind these iconic props, keep exploring more behind-the-scenes secrets that bring your favorite movies to life.
Props are such a crucial part for movies. Without them, stories wouldn’t be the same. We totally understand these actors and their need to have the props that mark their characters’ arcs and journeys. Did you know all of them?
Stick around and dive deeper into the world of entertainment. There are countless stories hidden behind props just waiting to be discovered. And if you’re curious, don’t miss our daily picks for even more fascinating insights: 20 Behind-the-Scenes Photos That Show How Complicated Movie Making Actually Is, 15 Famous Movie Scenes Most People Don’t Know Were Improvised, and 30 Behind-the-Scenes Harry Potter Photos That Reveal How the Magic Was Made.
