Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, among others, have come to Madame Tussauds in London as part of a multi-million pound Star Wars experience.

Open to the public from 16 May, the new attraction, which has been created in close collaboration with both Disney and Lucasfilm, represents a significant expansion of Madame Tussauds London. The immersive experience features 16 wax recreations of classic Star Wars characters, plus a number of walk-in sets to authentically portray some of the franchise’s most memorable moments.

“The Star Wars films are so loved, and fans so passionate, it was a huge responsibility to get this right. It has taken over 180 sculptors, hair artists, colourists, set designers and prop makers more than a year to create the experience - everyone wanted to make it as authentic as possible,” said Madame Tussauds London’s general manager, Ben Sweet.

“We were given rare access to the Star Wars archives at Skywalker Ranch in California, which was invaluable, and the artistic team poured over stills and footage day and night to ensure the likenesses of our wax stars are spot on and the sets as reminiscent of the actual film scenes as possible. We hope people will become immersed in the Star Wars story, and interact with their favourite characters, in a totally new and exciting way.”

The 16 figures cost £2.5m (€3.5m, US$3.9m) to make and vary in size from 41.2cm in height (Salacious B. Crumb) to 2.9 metres-long (Jabba the Hutt).

There are several environments and experiences on offer including the chance to wield a lightsaber with Anakin Skywalker amidst the lava of Mustafar; feeling the force alongside Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn on Naboo; joining the captive Princess Leia in Jabba the Hutt’s Throne Room; sitting with Hans Solo in the cantina before stepping onto the Millennium Falcon with Chewbacca; and finally witnessing Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader fight their final duel. The famous moment where Darth Vader reveals he is Luke’s father is also featured, while C-3PO, R2D2 and Stormtroopers also star.