Can Marvel Actors Take Souvenirs Home from Movie Sets?

Many consider iconic movie sets like those in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as hallowed ground, where heroes like Tony Stark, Captain America, and Thor come to life. It's a common question among fans: do actors get to take souvenirs home from filming? The answer is a bit complicated and varies from case to case.

Marvel's Prop and Costume Management

Unlike some film productions that allow actors to pick one or two favorite things as souvenirs or replicas, Marvel Studios generally prefers to retain the props and costumes. These artifacts are expensive, intricately designed, and hold significant value as they are part of a grand narrative. Costumes and props can often be sold to charities, museums, and private collectors, making them extremely valuable.

Exceptions to the Rule

Despite the general policy, there are notable exceptions. Some actors have been allowed to take items home, often for charitable purposes or personal use. Here are some examples:

Tom Holland: The Spider-Man Set

Tom Holland, known for his portrayal of Spider-Man, has admitted to taking items home from the set. For instance, he brought a pair of sunglasses back to his home, a small but significant memento from the Spider-Man universe.

Chris Pratt: Star-Lord's Costumes for Charity

Chris Pratt, who plays Star-Lord in the Guardians of the Galaxy series, took his Star-Lord suit from the set. However, he did so with a noble purpose. He uses the suit for charity appearances at children's hospitals, which generates positive PR for Disney.

Robert Downey Jr.: The Giant 'A' from Stark Tower

One of the most famous examples is Robert Downey Jr. After The Avengers concluded, he managed to obtain the gigantic 30-foot letter “A” from Stark Tower. He teased the crew with the idea of keeping it, jokingly saying it would look great in his office.

Ryan Reynolds: Deadpool Costumes for Philanthropy

Ryan Reynolds, who plays Deadpool, also took his Deadpool costume from the set. He uses it for charity appearances, similar to what Chris Pratt does. In his own words, he acknowledges the charitable spirit behind these actions.

Disney's Approach: Personal Use and Charity

Disney is generally more lenient with allowing actors to keep props for personal use or for charitable purposes. They understand the significance of these items to the actors and fans alike. Additionally, it can boost the actors' public image and goodwill for the studios.

Paul Rudd and Chris Hemsworth: Long-Term Evidence

Interestingly, both Paul Rudd and Chris Hemsworth have more than one instance of keeping costumes and props from movie sets. Paul Rudd has an Ant-Man suit at home, and Chris Hemsworth has multiple Mjolnirs (Thor's hammer) at his residence. These are documented on the Graham Norton Show, offering first-hand confirmation.

Conclusion

The question of whether Marvel actors can take souvenirs from movie sets is multifaceted. While most items are kept to maintain the integrity of the production, exceptions are made for charitable purposes and personal use. The studio's nuanced approach reflects its respect for the significance of these items and the positive impact they can have on society and the actors' legacies.