If you’re a die hard devotee of all things pertaining to Star Wars then it might be common knowledge to you that when the saga’s iconic bounty hunting scumbag Boba Fett was first introduced (in live-action form) in 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back, his stylish multi-colored armor was originally intended to be an all-white ensemble, as envisioned by conceptual artist Joe Johnston.

The white variant of the costume was never used, but in 1978 prior to the commencement of principal photography on Empire, Johnston’s original design was briefly brought to life in a rare black and white screen test. You can watch a five-minute video excerpt from that test and see some images here below.

The test was filmed behind George Lucas‘ house and gives us an early look at the design of Fett’s armor and weaponry. In the video the character’s serape is actually a repurposed Star Wars beach towel sporting the image of Darth Vader.

Here is sound designer Ben Burtt with assistant film editor Duwayne Dunham modeling the costume.

Lucas inspects the white Fett armor.

These are Johnston’s original conceptual designs for Boba Fett’s white armor.

Check out more photos from the test and costume fitting at The Dented Helmet.

Video

[Source: The Dented Helmet via The Retroist]