# Authentic Wizard Weapons The Gandalf FX Staff is Perfect for Fighting Smaug By Michael Hines | Published 2013-12-13 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gandalf-fx-staff References: [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2013/12/11/gandalf-fx-replica-staff/) & [thinkgeek](http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/154c/?cpg=cj&ref=&CJURL=&CJID=2470763) 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' is almost out, and the only way to truly experience the film is to watch it with the Gandalf FX Staff. This awesome mage weapon was created by ThinkGeek and is officially licensed by the film. The staff stands 6'1" tall and has an LED light at the top to make it look like the real deal. The Gandalf FX Staff isn't just a cheap toy you'd find in a store. Quite the contrary, in fact. In addition to standing over six feet, it also weighs 5 3/4 pounds. The comes in three sections that snap together, with wooden screw hole covers to ensure the authentic look once it's assembled. The Gandalf FX Staff is powered by three AAA batteries and is available now for $159.99. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Fantasy Weapon Replicas:** The market for realistic fantasy weapons creates an opportunity in the cosplay and collectibles industries. - **Licensed Movie Merchandise:** Creating officially licensed products for movies and TV shows provides an opportunity for brand collaboration and revenue. - **Functional Prop Design:** Designing functional props that replicate those used in movies and TV shows can create opportunities for film and production companies. ### Who This Affects Most - **Cosplay:** Cosplay businesses can benefit from selling high-end, realistic replicas of fantasy weapons for costume use. - **Collectibles:** The collectibles industry can benefit from selling officially licensed products like the Gandalf FX Staff as part of their movie and TV show merchandise offerings. - **Film and Production:** Designing functional props, like the Gandalf FX Staff, that are used in movies and TV shows can be an opportunity for film and production companies to create unique experiences for audiences and fans. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Motion-Activated Sci-Fi Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hasbro-2.md) - [Fantasy-Inspired LEGO Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-lord-of-the-rings-lego-set.md) - [Fandom Cosplay Wands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huntrx-cosplay-light-stick-toy.md) - [Epic Fantasy Mechanical Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ringwraith-keyboard.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Foam Blasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nerf-x-destiny-gjallarhorn-blaster.md) - [Fantasy Series Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-shire-set.md) - [Intricate Magical Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rivendell-set.md) - [Superhero-Inspired LEGO Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thors-hammer1.md) - [Sci-Fi Foam Dart Blasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ee3-blaster.md)