MAY THE FARCE BE WITH YOU: TOYS SPOOF STAR WARS MERCHANDISE

MAY THE FARCE BE WITH YOU: TOYS SPOOF STAR WARS MERCHANDISE

NEW YORK (Wireless Flash) -- George Lucas won't be happy when he hears this: A New York toy company is toying around with his "Star Wars" characters. The Idea Factory says it will release a line of toys called "Farce Wars: The Fantom Meanies." The toys are Beanie Baby-like creatures that resemble "Star Wars'" characters -- except the names are changed to protect the innocent. The Jabba the Hutt Meanie is depicted as a big fat dog named "Slobba the Mutt." Yoda's counterpart is a cud-chewing critter called "Goata." Princess Amidala's becomes "Princess Armadillo" and Darth Maul is a rat-like creature named "Dark Mole." The Fantom Meanies should be in stores by July.

CONTACT: Lance Kushner, ****; Arrange with Betty Hughes; NYC; (212) 779-7755