Actors Who Admitted to Taking Iconic Props From Sets

Many actors find it difficult to leave behind pieces of cinematic history after filming wraps on a long-running franchise or a significant project. While studios often have strict rules regarding inventory, several high-profile stars have admitted to sneaking items off the premises. These souvenirs range from small trinkets to full costumes and expensive weaponry. The following actors have publicly confessed to taking home memorable props from their most famous roles.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds admitted to taking the full Deadpool suit home after filming wrapped on ‘Deadpool’ in 2016. He stated that he had waited ten years to make the film and felt he deserved to keep the costume despite the studio’s likely objections. Beyond the superhero suit, he also revealed that he kept a ring from the set of ‘Green Lantern’. The actor has joked in interviews about his habit of walking off with wardrobe pieces that define his characters.

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth has famously admitted to keeping several versions of Mjolnir, the hammer used by his character in the ‘Thor’ and ‘The Avengers’ franchises. He reportedly has about five or six of them scattered around his home, including one kept in a bathroom. While the props are technically the property of Marvel Studios, Hemsworth took them without formal permission at the end of various productions. His wife, Elsa Pataky, has publicly commented on the abundance of superhero weaponry taking up space in their house.

Robert Downey Jr.

During the production of ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’, Robert Downey Jr. expressed interest in the massive ‘A’ that sat atop the Avengers Tower. While it was a large set piece rather than a small prop, the actor requested it and eventually had it delivered to his office in Venice, California. He admitted that the studio initially hesitated but eventually allowed him to keep the thirty-foot-tall letter. This prop remains one of the largest items ever taken from a Marvel Cinematic Universe set by a lead actor.

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield revealed that he managed to sneak away with one of the Spider-Man suits after filming ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’. He described the act of taking the costume as a logistical challenge involving his luggage and a discreet exit from the set. The actor noted that he wanted a physical reminder of his time playing the iconic Peter Parker. Despite the high cost of manufacturing these specialized suits, Garfield kept the item as a personal memento of his tenure in the franchise.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck admitted that he attempted to take the Batsuit after filming ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’. When he asked the producers if he could keep the suit, they told him he could have it if he paid $100,000. Affleck ultimately decided against the purchase at that price, but he did manage to keep some of the smaller gadgets. He specifically walked away with a Batarang, which he kept as a souvenir from his time as the Caped Crusader.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe spent a decade filming the ‘Harry Potter’ series and admitted to taking a few key items from the set. He kept two pairs of the iconic round glasses worn by his character throughout the films. One pair was from the very first movie, ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’, and the other was from the final installment. The actor chose the eyewear because it represented the physical transformation and growth of the character over eight films.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen admitted to taking several items from the set of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy directed by Peter Jackson. He famously kept the keys to Bag End, the home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. Additionally, the actor confessed to pocketing some of the gold coins from Smaug’s lair in ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’. McKellen noted that he occasionally shows these items to fans as proof of his adventures in Middle-earth.

Tom Holland

Tom Holland has a reputation for being unable to leave a set without a souvenir, admitting to taking several props from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He successfully took a set of web-shooters and a pair of Tony Stark’s glasses from the production of ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’. The actor mentioned that he often takes items without asking, though he has not yet been asked to return them. He also attempted to take a suit, though the high level of security on set made that particular theft much more difficult.

Norman Reedus

Norman Reedus, known for playing Daryl Dixon on ‘The Walking Dead’, has kept several iconic pieces from the show’s long history. He admitted to taking Daryl’s signature leather vest and one of the crossbows used by his character. The actor also revealed that he kept the fake beard worn by co-star Andrew Lincoln after the Rick Grimes character shaved it off in an early season. Reedus keeps these items in his home as a tribute to the years spent working on the post-apocalyptic drama.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman spent nearly two decades playing Wolverine and admitted to keeping several versions of the character’s famous claws. He took home pairs of the metal claws used in various ‘X-Men’ films to commemorate his long-running role. The actor mentioned that he has them on display, though he has to be careful with them around guests. These props served as the primary physical symbol of his career-defining performance as the mutant Logan.

David Tennant

David Tennant admitted to keeping his character’s primary tool after his departure from ‘Doctor Who’. The actor took home the sonic screwdriver used by the Tenth Doctor, which is one of the most recognizable props in science fiction history. He also managed to keep his character’s signature brown suit and pinstriped trousers. Tennant has often spoken about how significant those items were to his identity as the Doctor during his time on the long-running BBC series.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa admitted to taking a few items from the set of ‘Aquaman’ to add to his personal collection. He kept a version of the character’s trident, which he considers a significant piece of cinematic craftsmanship. The actor is known for his love of craftsmanship and weapons, making the golden trident a natural choice for a souvenir. He has showcased the prop in various interviews, highlighting the detailed work that went into its creation for the DC Extended Universe.

Ralph Fiennes

Ralph Fiennes admitted that he kept his character’s wand after finishing his role as Lord Voldemort in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. He liked the design of the wand, which was created to look like it was made of bone and featured a distinctive hook at the end. The actor revealed that he kept it as a reminder of his time portraying one of cinema’s most famous villains. He also mentioned that the prop was one of the few items from the set that he felt a strong personal connection to.

Share your favorite movie prop that you would love to own in the comments.