Return of the Pop: Pittsburgh's iconic Star Wars vending machine has been returned

Return of the Pop: Pittsburgh's iconic Star Wars vending machine has been returned Advertisement Updated: 4:40 PM EST Nov 10, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Raquel Ciampi Digital Content Manager Return of the Pop: Pittsburgh's iconic Star Wars vending machine has been returned Updated: 4:40 PM EST Nov 10, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Raquel Ciampi Digital Content Manager PITTSBURGH — A long time ago, taken to a state far, far away... Back in August, an iconic piece of "Star Wars" memorabilia was taken from its home outside a fire department in Mount Washington by a content creator. Advertisement The disappearance of the 1999 Star Wars Phantom Menace-themed vending machine caused a disturbance in the force across Pittsburgh and beyond. WTAE A new hope? Not quite In its place, an apparent handmade replica of the original was left behind. "It looks like a homemade art project, but it has a little character to it. One thing I did notice though, is (the vending machine) used to have Pepsi in it, and now it has Coca-Cola," Bill Bara said. A state far, far away It wasn't until a month later that the machine reappeared more than 2,400 miles away in California. Content creator Braeden Days claimed he had permission to take the vending machine and that he'd return it after making repairs. WTAE Days posted a video of the machine on the back of a flatbed truck being driven around Los Angeles to his Instagram feed . Days said the stunt was in celebration of this week's grand opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art from "Star Wars" creator George Lucas, who has been developing the museum for years. Days said in his post the machine would be returned in the next month. The force returns to Mt. Washington Finally, three months after it disappeared, the vending machine is back home outside Engine Company 27 on Virginia Avenue. Pittsburgh Public Safety says it's now fully operational. Finally, three months after it disappeared, there is a new hope. It is back... Hearst Owned Make WTAE a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks Ole Miss student apologizes after video showing women making racist gestures sparks backlash Video: Drone delivers food to ape stranded during Florida flooding Public health alert issued for three frozen meat products, USDA warns Paul McCartney achieves billionaire status, becomes world’s third-richest musician