Chuck Hansen Striker Eureka Jaeger Pilot Drivesuit
Chuck Hansen’s (Robert Kazinsky) Striker Eureka Jaeger Pilot Drivesuit from Guillermo Del Toro’s 2013 mega monster movie Pacific Rim. In the film, a race of monsters, called ‘Kaiju,’ terrorizes earth, forcing mankind to build a team of massive robots, called ‘Jaegers,’ to battle the monsters and save the world. This impressive piece is a full pilot costume, specifically designed for Hansen to wear when copiloting the Australian Jaeger, Striker Eureka. The Drivesuits for the film were initially designed by Kate Hawley, the film’s costume designer, and were built by the noted effects house Legacy Effects. This suit was designed specifically to reflect the character’s Australian nationality and piloting role, with nozzles and gauges on the left, where they would connect to the larger workings of the Jaeger.
The driversuit consists of a fabric body suit with covering urethane armor pieces that create an imposing form. The neck and codpiece are both made of rubber, lending added mobility to those areas of the suit. The back spine piece is also rubber and hides the main zippers that run along the back of the suit. The black spandex gloves feature circuit details and a top knuckle light. These lights and those throughout the suit’s armor are no longer connected to a power source. The boots are sport sneakers encased in a urethane shell and are designed to look as though the wearer were already attached to the walking mechanism inside the Jaeger. The remainder of the walking mechanism was added in via digital visual effects. The entire body is finished with a grey/green, camouflage paint scheme and includes unique details, such as the bulldog decal and tally of Kaiju slain. The piece also features several production made scratches to show the suit’s wear after surviving multiple Kaiju attacks.
The suit was created using modern processes; individual elements were digitally modeled to fit the actor exactly, and prototypes were printed on 3-D printers. These master elements were hand-finished and then molded so that final costume components could be produced in urethane and fiberglass.
The removable helmet was also designed and built specifically for Kazinsky and his role in piloting Striker Eureka. The helmet was designed for a snug fit, and rear sections detach via magnets to facilitate dressing. The helmet’s head lights are also still functional. The helmet’s side air nozzle was removed during production, and a replacement utilizing production-made components has been installed.
The suit included costume elements named for both Robert Kazinsky and his stunt double, as costume pieces were frequently mixed and matched between suits on set. The helmet is labeled “Rob”. The suit is presented on a custom display mannequin and base. The suit components remain in good condition overall. This piece measures 26” x 14” x 73” (66 cm x 36 cm x 185 cm).
