Iconic 'Star Wars' Pepsi vending machine returns to Pittsburgh

A Pepsi vending machine featuring artwork from the 1999 film "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace" has returned to its longtime location outside Pittsburgh Fire Station 27 after a controversial removal that sparked widespread attention, according to a WPXI report. The machine, a neighborhood landmark in the Mount Washington community for more than 25 years, disappeared in August and was replaced with a hand-painted replica. Its return was reported Nov. 10, with local residents saying the restored machine was back in operation.

Content creator Braeden Days acknowledged removing the original machine as part of a social media project, saying he had permission to arrange repairs. The stunt drew criticism from residents who feared the popular attraction had been stolen or permanently relocated. During its absence, the machine traveled more than 2,400 miles to Los Angeles, where Days displayed it in connection with the opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.

The vending machine has attracted generations of "Star Wars" enthusiasts since its installation in 1999, becoming an unlikely tourist destination. In 2022, Pepsi helped repair and restock the machine and donated $10,000 to Fire Station 27.