Deadpool & Wolverine Funko Pop! 3D Printed Giant Replica Statues
Deadpool & Wolverine Funko Pop! 3D Printed Giant Replica Statues
Case Study: How we Made Giant Replica Statues for a Movie Premiere
Case Study: How we Made Giant Replica Statues for a Movie Premiere
Table of Contents
3D Statues + Next-gen Technology
The unveiling of the giant product replica statues of Funko Pop! toys for the Deadpool & Wolverine movie premiere was a monumental event, capturing the essence of these beloved characters on a grand scale. These statues not only celebrated the movie’s release but also showcased the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail synonymous with Funko Pop! collectibles. Standing as larger-than-life 6 foot tall embodiments of Deadpool and Wolverine, the replicas provided fans with an immersive and visually stunning experience, highlighting the iconic status of these characters in pop culture and generating excitement and buzz for the film’s debut.
Material
Curious about why our Funko Pop! replicas were 3D printed instead of sculpted? The decision was driven by the need to balance cost, strength, timing, and detail. 3D printing allowed us to transform a digital model directly into a physical object. Sculpting, on the other hand, would have required much more time to achieve the same high level of detail, especially for fine textures. With 3D printing, we could offer intricate pieces made from a relatively strong material in a significantly shorter timeframe.
We used PLA (polylactic acid), a polymer plastic derived from biological materials, which is the most widely used material in 3D printing. PLA has largely replaced older materials like ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) due to its strength and eco-friendly properties. While some materials may be stronger, PLA strikes the best balance of price, strength, and usability for 3D printing filaments.
Creation Process
Our giant Funko Pop! replicas were created based on physical toys provided by Funko and digital 3D files. To ensure the statues’ strength, our welders built custom metal skeletons for each 3D-printed piece. Expanding foam was then poured around the skeletons to enhance structural rigidity.
Given the complexity of the models, we required 110 separate 3D-printed pieces to assemble Wolverine and 98 pieces for Deadpool. The printing process took about three weeks using over 70 WhiteClouds 3D printers. After printing, our team meticulously welded the seams of each part together using a proprietary method to create a cohesive piece.
The final stages of sanding, painting, and finishing were particularly challenging due to the level of detail needed to bring these iconic characters to life. Our artists ensured that every line was perfect. While a simpler figure would have taken less time, we knew that only perfection would suffice for these models.
Finishing Process
To complete the process, our exceptional painters started by priming the entire figure, applying a second coat of primer to catch any missed spots before beginning the final painting. The iconic colors of yellow, blue, red, and black were matched to the toy prototypes. Once painting was finished, a clear coat was added to protect the paint and statue.
Despite the challenges, our team successfully recreated the level of detail found in popular Funko Pop! toys. Seeing these giant statues during the live-streamed movie premiere of what is sure to be a blockbuster hit was a proud moment for the WhiteClouds team.