At 61, the Rouennais Osvaldo David has never stopped dreaming. Passionate about the Star Wars universe since the release of the first film in 1977, he has accumulated countless galactic objects. Some are nowhere to be found and of inestimable value.
A dreamer, a fanatic, one of those who are taken for a madman. These enthusiasts who spend all their money on figurines, posters, soft toys… And yet, we can guess in the sparkling eyes of the Rouen resident Osvaldo David the full importance of his passion for Star Wars. These 15,000 pieces invaluable floods her living room, like the witness of a disproportionate obsession, but it is not.
This love for the American saga has animated him since the release of the first film in 1977 and for him, they are more than just objects. Family memories, moments with the actors, previews and anecdotes by the thousands. This 61-year-old Grand-Quevillais has been making the little ones dream for 43 years.
A collection worth gold?
It all started when the first movie. “I didn’t even see him as soon as he got out!” I went to see its reissue at the Gaumont cinema in St-Sever. I already liked science fiction films … But there, I was stuck by the story and the music gave me chills. It was also during this screening that I met my wife, Sonia ”, confides the discreet collector. She followed him in his early days when he began to buy his first “18 francs a piece at the time” figures and continues to support him in the shadows.
For his first galactic goodies, Osvaldo had already thought about money. ” At the beginning, I told myself all this, it will increase in value … But today, I could not sell them “. Everything is still packed, some parts of the figurines have never even been seen by its buyer: “ I have a character with his motorcycle, but I would never see the motorcycle since it is hidden by the packaging », Laughs the enthusiast. In his early days, no Star Wars object escaped him, but today he favors more ” beautiful pieces Like those of Luke Skywalker and Leia at 800 euros. He hopes to receive Han Solo to complete the trio over Christmas.
« Some pieces are numbered, there are only 500 in the world and I have one! ”Says Osvaldo proudly. Among his treasures, the official film from the 1978 film, the first VHS cassettes (1400 francs one), little Anakin’s helmet, a dedication of the model maker of Star Wars in a book, ” I love knowing behind the scenes of the movies “. All these objects and dedications are collected in Parisian conventions. But also thanks to social networks and websites that sell products from all over the world: China, United States, Germany, Belgium …
All these jewels are insured. “ I estimated everything, I even have an alarm in front of my house “. His museum is worth gold but above all conceals moments of complicity with his children to whom he transmitted this ” disease ».
Star Wars with family
Despite their few disagreements over the new Star Wars films, the little family recognizes that the father’s passion has brought them a lot. ” He made me love cinema! »Exclaims his 23-year-old son Yan. Osvaldo wanders in conventions with two of his sons, places rich in anecdotes: ” Actress Carrie Fisher autographed one of her photos for me… I was very honored, but I was so ashamed to have her autograph this photo *! »
And this low-key fan remembers everything, like the preview at Gaumont de Grand-Quevilly, in 1999, where Osvaldo was entitled to “ champagne, guard of honor … It was the first time and it will remain an incredible memory! “Just like the day he was able to touch the real R2D2 robot” Its owner told me “you just have the right to put your hand on it!” I took great care », He recalls, photo in support.
« My father never forced us to love, but seeing him with stars in our eyes is a great gift, says Yan. With my brother we collected the Danone Star Wars yoghurt pots ». « But also the scratch tickets! adds his father. We didn’t care to win we wanted the image on it! He laughs, pointing at the trophies. But beware, it’s not all about Star Wars, ” it’s above all a passion but not an obsession, we don’t just talk about that and not every day! »
At home, as at work, Osvaldo never had any reviews. “ He’s our mascot, everyone knows he’s a great collector! It’s always a pleasure to chat with him », Confirms one of her colleagues, Emmanuelle. ” Sometimes I am called Chewbacca in Hyper U Osvaldo smiled.
Dreaming in a crazy world
But the Grand-Quevillais is not satisfied. The new films and series in anticipation only amplify his passion. He plans to renovate a room outside his house to store all his treasures. ” It is not logical to put this in the living room, I still have a lot of it in the boxes … Sometimes people ask me how I manage to find more! »
All this comes at a cost and his collection is constantly growing. With the new series The Mandalorian, broadcast on the Disney + platform, he already has his head full of ideas. “When I saw Bobba fett (famous character from the saga), it brings back memories”, he is moved. In this new series, Baby Yoda’s common face reminds him of his unconditional love for this green guy: “He embodies the good, I think that in our world, we need the positive. “
When he retires next year, Osvaldo will have time to cycle, enjoy his loved ones and expand his collection. With, in the back of his mind, the idea that his figurines are part of an exhibition dedicated to the Star Wars universe.
* The actress didn’t like wearing this uncomfortable outfit in the movie at all.
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