The Force and the money were with a Star Wars tragic who has paid US$2. 3 million at auction to own a famous Hollywood star – R2-D2, the talking robot beloved by sci-fi film fans around the world.

The hologram of Princess Leia declaring Luke Skywalker as her only hope was not included.

Also sold at the auction was Luke’s more than handy – but not in working order – lightsabre. The super-weapon based on Japanese samurai swords went for US$375,000.