A long-standing Star Wars relic, the Pepsi vending machine located on Mt. Washington in Pittsburgh, has reportedly disappeared after over 27 years of continuous operation. The machine, which has remained stocked and functional since the release of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, was a unique piece of memorabilia for fans.
This week, visitors noticed the machine was gone, replaced by a hastily constructed decoy. The replacement features a poorly drawn imitation of the original artwork, complete with a giant Pepsi bottle and pod-racing imagery. Notably, the decoy machine has 10 buttons, while the original was known to have only nine.
The disappearance has led to widespread speculation within the local community. Some theories suggest that influencer Braeden Days, who has previously expressed an intent to acquire the machine, may be responsible. Others point to potential involvement from local residents or even the Pittsburgh Fire Department, as the machine was situated just outside a fire station.
The makeshift replacement has drawn comparisons to the infamous 2012 restoration of a fresco of Jesus, humorously dubbed "Ecce Mono." The current situation, while amusing, is tempered by the hope that the original Star Wars vending machine will eventually be returned.