A Simba animatronic head from Michael Apted's biopic Gorillas in the Mist. This fully articulating gorilla head was designed to animate Simba's angry roar during filming.

This remote-controlled gorilla face consists of hand-punched hair over a foam-latex skin, attached to a padded fiberglass skullcap. The face features realistic acrylic eyes, and both resin teeth and gums. Inside the mask is a padded skullcap which protected the actors face from the articulating face plates and wires. This head was designed with articulating facial features allowing controlled movement to the jaws, upper and lower lips, nose, brow and eyes. A puppeteer would use a remote control to send signals to the mask's interior servos, which operated the various facial features.

The piece rests on an original production foam headstand, mounted to a wooden base. The mask is accompanied by its original bespoke production transport case. The road case includes various stickers and labels such as 'Simba Screaming' and 'Property of Cinovation Studios'. The lot shows some wear to the foam latex, which has hardened in some areas. However, the mask remains in very fine overall condition. Dimensions (mask): 38 cm x 28 cm x 36 cm (15" x 11" x 14"); (road case): 57 cm x 44 cm x 55 cm (22 1/2" x 17 1/2" x 21 1/2")

This display contains electronic components. While every effort is made to describe them accurately, no guarantee or warranty is made as to functionality, lifespan or safety of those components. It is entirely incumbent on the new owner to satisfy themselves as to their safe use and maintenance.

£5,000 - 7,000