Movie props have always held a certain fascination, tangible pieces of the cinematic worlds we love. For fans of action-packed thrillers, few props are as iconic and tension-inducing as the VX gas canisters from the 1996 blockbuster “The Rock”. This film, starring Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery, is a masterclass in suspense, and the threat of these deadly green orbs is central to the high-stakes narrative. Inspired by the movie’s gripping plot and the striking visual of these canisters, I decided to embark on a project to create my own replica.
This journey wasn’t just about replicating an object; it was about capturing a piece of movie history and understanding the craftsmanship behind prop making. Like many enthusiasts, I scoured online forums and communities for inspiration and guidance. A special shout out is due to RPF member Nitrox, whose detailed build log and helpful advice were invaluable as I navigated the complexities of this project. If you’re intrigued by this build, I highly recommend checking out Nitrox’s thread: The Rock – VX Gas Build.
Let’s dive into the process of bringing this piece of “rock” and movie history to life. Here’s my completed VX canister prop, complete with the chilling “string of pearls” vials and its robust outer storage container.
Finished VX gas canister prop from "The Rock" movie, showcasing string of pearls vials and outer container
Close-up view of VX canister prop replica with detailed craftsmanship and pearl vials
VX canister prop replica displayed against a neutral background, highlighting its screen-accurate design
Recreating a Movie Icon: The VX Canister from “The Rock”
The VX canister prop is instantly recognizable to fans of “The Rock”. Its ominous presence throughout the film, particularly the scenes set on Alcatraz Island, contributes significantly to the movie’s atmosphere of impending danger. My goal was to create a replica that not only looked visually accurate but also captured the essence of this iconic movie element.
The build is essentially divided into two main components: the “string of pearls” vials containing the simulated VX gas and the canister itself, which houses and protects these deadly components. Let’s break down the creation of each part.
String of Pearls: A Detailed Build
The “string of pearls” is arguably the most visually distinctive element of the VX canister. These glass spheres filled with a glowing green substance are both beautiful and menacing. Replicating these required careful selection of materials and a meticulous assembly process.
Materials:
- Pearls: Hollow 40mm blown glass beads with two small openings. These were sourced online, similar to Nitrox who found his on eBay, I opted for AliExpress.
- Green Goo: Banana Boat Aloe Gel. This perfectly mimics the eerie green liquid seen in the movie prop.
- Spacers: Rubber grommets. These separate each pearl, adding to the “string of pearls” aesthetic.
- Wire Rings: Inserted into the grommets for structural support and visual detail.
- Red Magnet Wire: Used to connect the wire rings, primarily for aesthetic purposes, adding a touch of intricate detail.
Process:
Creating the pearl strings was the most challenging part of the entire build. The process involved filling fragile glass spheres with gel and stringing them together, a task that proved to be far more complex than initially anticipated. Several approaches were attempted before finding a successful method. Initially, I considered epoxying the pearls together to create a rigid column, but this proved disastrous, leading to broken pearls. Small tubing was also tested but ultimately, monofilament fishing line was chosen for its flexibility and strength.
Close up of materials used for string of pearls: glass beads, rubber grommets, and wire
Process of filling glass pearls with green gel using a syringe for VX canister prop
Threading filled glass pearls and spacers onto monofilament line for VX canister prop replica
Using a large syringe to inject the aloe vera gel into each pearl was surprisingly satisfying. However, the process required filling and sealing each pearl as it was threaded onto the monofilament, demanding precision and patience. Despite ordering extra beads, around 12 pearls were broken due to manufacturing flaws, clumsiness, and simple mistakes. Working with thin glass spheres is inherently risky, highlighting the fragility of these components.
Once the strings were assembled, the next step was soldering the magnet wire to each spacer ring. Soldering four wires to each of the 50 pearl spacers tested the limits of patience and nearly led to abandoning the project for a less demanding hobby!
Soldering magnet wire to spacer rings on string of pearls for VX canister prop
After completing each string, electrical connectors were attached to the ends using epoxy. Finally, after summoning sufficient courage, the completed strings were tested by hanging them to ensure their structural integrity before moving onto the canister construction.
Completed string of pearls vials hanging, ready to be installed in VX canister prop
Assembled string of pearls for VX canister prop, showcasing intricate wiring and green vials
Close up of completed string of pearls detail, highlighting glass beads, spacers and wiring
Crafting the Canister: Housing the Deadly Pearls
The canister itself is designed to securely house and display the “string of pearls”. It needed to be robust enough to support the weight of the vials and visually accurate to the movie prop.
Materials:
- Canister Lid: SmoothCast 300 resin, laser-cut acrylic, and brass.
- Canister Body: PLA (3D printed), aluminum rods, and acrylic.
- Guidance Chip Pedestal: Brass and PVC.
Process:
Creating the canister began with designing a 3D model based on reference photos from the movie. Given the weight of the pearl strings that the lid would bear, strength was a primary concern. Therefore, some of the 3D printed parts were used to create molds, which were then cast in SmoothCast 300 resin for enhanced durability. Laser-cut acrylic components were also incorporated to further improve structural integrity.
Resin cast parts for VX canister lid, enhancing durability of the movie prop replica
The “highly advanced electronics” visible in the lid of the movie prop are purely aesthetic in this replica. They consist of a cut-down buck converter PCB with randomly soldered wires, designed to mimic the look of complex circuitry without actual functionality.
Mock electronic components inside VX canister lid, replicating movie prop details
The main body of the canister was 3D printed using PLA. To add stability and prevent warping, aluminum rods were used as upright supports. The base of the canister was constructed from stacked 1/4″ acrylic sheets, providing a solid foundation.
3D printed canister body with aluminum rod supports for VX movie prop replica
The central guidance chip pillar was crafted from brass pipe, with the upper section made from PVC that was grooved on a lathe to create detailed surface texture. To allow for the guidance chip to be removable, a small retention clip was devised.
Brass and PVC guidance chip pillar for VX canister prop, showcasing lathe-cut detailing
Removable guidance chip mechanism detail for VX canister prop replica
The guidance chip itself is a reasonable approximation of the screen-used version, completing this central element of the canister.
Guidance chip component of VX canister prop, resembling the movie prop version
Assembled guidance chip and pillar installed in VX canister prop replica
The Outer Case: Completing the Replica
To complete the project, an outer storage case was needed. An old tank shell case was repurposed and given a paint job to match the appearance of the case seen in “The Rock”.
Repurposed tank shell case used as outer storage for VX canister prop
Painted tank shell case exterior for VX canister movie prop replica
Interior view of painted tank shell case for VX canister prop storage
VX canister prop stored inside repurposed and painted tank shell case
This project was a significant undertaking, demanding considerable time and effort. However, the satisfaction of holding a tangible piece of movie history, and hearing the clack of the glass pearls as they are removed from the canister, makes it all worthwhile. My thanks again to the maker community and especially to those who shared their VX canister builds previously; your work served as invaluable reference and inspiration.
If you’re interested in seeing more of my prop work, you can find additional photos of this and other projects on my Instagram @aplancomestogether.
