Emergency support hotline: +30 123-456-789
Release Year: ID: elite-praetorian-guard-bs-2017

The 2017 Star Wars The Black Series Elite Praetorian Guard (#50) is one of the most visually striking and kinetically designed figures in the entire Phase 3 Red Line. Introduced in The Last Jedi, the Praetorian Guards serve as Supreme Leader Snoke’s elite protectors — a modern reinterpretation of the Emperor’s Royal Guard, but with a far more aggressive, martial aesthetic. Their segmented armor, fluid melee combat style, and vivid crimson color palette made them instant icons of the Sequel Trilogy, and this figure captures that presence with impressive sculpting, articulation, and weapon detail.

This release represents the Double Blade variant, one of several weapon configurations used by the Praetorian Guard in the film’s throne room duel. While later multipacks and exclusives introduced alternate weapons and armor styles, this single‑carded Red Line version focuses on the guard equipped with the long, double‑ended vibro-staff — a weapon that emphasizes sweeping, circular combat motions and wide defensive arcs. The figure’s sculpt and articulation are engineered to support these poses, making it one of the most dynamic melee-focused releases of the 2017 wave.

Released as part of Wave 13, the Praetorian Guard arrived alongside Maz Kanata, Finn (First Order Disguise), and Captain Poe Dameron. It quickly became a collector favorite due to its imposing silhouette, glossy armor finish, and the sheer display potential it brings to any TLJ shelf. Whether flanking Snoke, dueling Rey and Kylo, or standing guard in a First Order lineup, the Praetorian Guard commands attention.


Technical Details & Sculpt

Overall Sculpt & Proportions

The sculpt is defined by layered, segmented armor plates that mimic the guards’ on-screen design. The figure features:

  • ribbed torso armor with overlapping plates
  • segmented shoulder pauldrons
  • articulated elbow armor that moves with the joint
  • ribbed skirt armor with flexible material
  • tall armored boots with sculpted ridges

The proportions are imposing and screen-accurate, with a broad upper body tapering into a stable, grounded stance. The armor’s layered construction gives the figure depth and dimensionality, making it visually complex from every angle.

Helmet Sculpt

The helmet is one of the most distinctive elements of the design:

  • smooth, curved dome
  • ribbed visor with horizontal slats
  • seamless integration with the neck armor
  • glossy red finish

The helmet’s faceless design enhances the guard’s intimidating presence, evoking both anonymity and ceremonial authority.

Armor Engineering

The segmented armor is engineered to allow articulation without breaking the sculpt:

  • shoulder plates float over the arms
  • elbow armor is split to maintain range
  • skirt armor uses flexible plastic to allow leg movement
  • torso armor is ribbed to hide articulation seams

This engineering allows the figure to achieve dynamic combat poses while maintaining the clean, uninterrupted lines of the armor.


Articulation

Despite the heavy armor, the Praetorian Guard includes a robust articulation suite:

  • ball-jointed head and neck
  • hinged shoulders with floating armor
  • swivel-hinge elbows
  • swivel-hinge wrists
  • torso ball joint
  • ball-jointed hips
  • thigh swivels
  • double-jointed knees
  • rocker ankles

The articulation supports wide stances, sweeping staff motions, and defensive postures. The torso joint allows for subtle lean and twist, essential for recreating the fluid combat choreography of the throne room duel.


Paint & Deco

The paintwork emphasizes the guard’s ceremonial yet lethal aesthetic:

  • glossy red armor with reflective finish
  • matte red undersuit for contrast
  • black accents on joints and weapon grip
  • clean, sharp edges on segmented armor

The glossy finish photographs beautifully, catching highlights and emphasizing the curvature of the armor plates.


Accessories & Equipment

This Praetorian Guard includes:

Double Blade Vibro-Staff

  • long dual-ended weapon
  • sculpted energy conduits
  • ribbed grip section
  • metallic silver blade edges

The weapon is screen-accurate and supports a wide range of combat poses. The length of the staff enhances the figure’s silhouette and display presence.


Packaging (Red Line)

As part of the Red Line, the figure arrives in the Phase 3 window-box packaging:

  • matte black box
  • bold red accent stripe
  • character portrait art
  • figure number #50
  • large window showcasing the armor and weapon

The portrait art captures the guard’s faceless menace, while the red stripe complements the armor’s vivid color.


Collector Notes

  • This is the Double Blade variant of the Praetorian Guard.
  • Other variants were released in multipacks and exclusives.
  • One of the most dynamic melee-focused figures in the 2017 wave.
  • Essential for TLJ throne room displays.
  • Pairs naturally with Snoke, Kylo Ren, and Rey.
  • Glossy armor finish makes it a standout on any shelf.

Display & Photography Notes

The Praetorian Guard excels in dramatic lighting setups. The glossy armor reflects highlights beautifully, while rim lighting enhances the helmet silhouette and segmented plates. Three-quarter angles emphasize the curvature of the armor and the length of the vibro-staff.

For dioramas, the guard shines in:

  • Snoke’s throne room
  • First Order ceremonial formations
  • Duel setups with Rey and Kylo
  • Elite guard lineups

The sculpt supports sweeping, dynamic poses that capture the fluid, dance-like combat style seen in The Last Jedi — making it one of the most visually compelling figures in the entire Red Line.