# Fictional things/products that became real **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** movies\ **Created:** [June 22, 2026, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108 "2026-06-22T18:10:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/61 "2026-06-23T17:28:03Z")
In Pulp Fiction when Vincent makes a drink while waiting for Mia he uses McCleary’s scotch, a fictional drink. I thought sure I read that someone since has produced that brand but I can’t find it so I guess not. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/62 "2026-06-23T17:41:58Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Leg lamps were certainly popularized by A Christmas Story, but did they not exist at all before that? It appears that they did, although in different forms. [![](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTm5I1cXwMiJKaoX6mauJysfCvAficYs_LTv6FWOnaZe72w4rI2KiQkZdo&s=10) ](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTm5I1cXwMiJKaoX6mauJysfCvAficYs_LTv6FWOnaZe72w4rI2KiQkZdo&s=10) [![](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSSXv2hBpE8nuzQT4tE3guP3O0aRbbJu570siG3nSar_9c4q0QmBq7EGJo&s=10) ](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSSXv2hBpE8nuzQT4tE3guP3O0aRbbJu570siG3nSar_9c4q0QmBq7EGJo&s=10) ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/63 "2026-06-23T17:57:28Z")
> [@mixdenny](#): > > > [@TruCelt](#): > > > > Several products have attempted to bring the Back to the Future hover board to life. > > The self-tieing shoes became real. And Steven Spielberg’s son Max had a brief stint as a film director in 2002. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/64 "2026-06-23T18:54:34Z")
> [@JohnnyEcks](#): > > Defictionalization. Check the TVTropes page, tons of examples. Isn’t the modern touchscreen tablet/phone interface also a Star Trek (Next Generation) invention (the PADD in the show)? > [@Spiff](#): > > Puppers Beer, the fictional brew from the hit comedy series _Letterkenny_, is an actual, officially licensed product now. There have been/are various versions of Duff Beer from the Simpsons, although most seem to have been copyright infringements. ---
**Author:** ![mbh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a6a055/32.png) [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/65 "2026-06-23T19:24:30Z")
> [@bump](#): > > Isn’t the modern touchscreen tablet/phone interface also a Star Trek (Next Generation) invention (the PADD in the show)? It dates back at least to _2001: A Space Odyssey_. Possibly further. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/66 "2026-06-23T19:28:34Z")
Stay Puft marshmallows have been licensed from the Ghostbusters movies and have been sold in a few different guises, most recently by Campfire brand. It looks like [Pizza Planet](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/movies/articles/toy-storys-pizza-planet-finally-083000524.html) from _Toy Story_ is going to become reality of a sort. Parts of the video game Sugar Rush from _Wreck-It-Ralph_ is available in a few forms from Disney. ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/67 "2026-06-23T19:32:28Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Parts of the video game Sugar Rush from _Wreck-It-Ralph_ is available in a few forms from Disney. As is the Pancake Milkshake game from the sequel. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/68 "2026-06-23T19:41:49Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Parts of the video game Sugar Rush from _Wreck-It-Ralph_ is available in a few forms from Disney. They actually put together a full size arcade version of the _Wreck-it Ralph / iFix-it Felix_ video game. I played one at a now-defunct video emporium in southern New Hampshire. It had the graphics from the game as shown in the movie, and play was the same. Hard to find anything about it with a quick internet search, but here’s one reference: [https://www.quora.com/Is-Wreck-it-Ralph-the-game-based-on-a-real-arcade-game](https://www.quora.com/Is-Wreck-it-Ralph-the-game-based-on-a-real-arcade-game) ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/69 "2026-06-23T20:01:24Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > They actually put together a full size arcade version of the _Wreck-it Ralph / iFix-it Felix_ video game. Seems it appeared in various arcades to promote the movie. > **[Fix It Felix Jr. Arcade: Disney’s Retro-Style Platformer (2012)](https://bitvint.com/pages/fix-it-felix-jr)** > > Discover Fix It Felix Jr. (2012), Disney’s arcade homage from Wreck-It Ralph. Explore gameplay, legacy, and why it's more than just a movie tie-in. [There’s also a hand-held (3 inch) version.](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Arcade-classics-fix-it-felix-mini-arcade-game/802995941) ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/70 "2026-06-23T20:09:02Z")
There’s one at Freeplay Arcade in Richardson, TX that I played a few months ago. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/71 "2026-06-23T20:20:01Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > It appears that they did, although in different forms. I’ve wondered since 1983, and never found a good answer to, where did the prop for the movie come from? That’s a very nicely made prop. It looks to be injection molded. Not a fiberglass layup. A lot of work for a low budget movie. And the plastic did not look period-correct, but that’s OK. I used to think it was real period antique, but if they were, they’d be all over ebay. And that it sounded like glass breaking when mother “accidentally” broke it I just take as Ralphie’s faulty memory embellished by time. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/72 "2026-06-23T20:47:00Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > I’ve wondered since 1983, and never found a good answer to, where did the prop for the movie come from? Reportedly one of three created by lead production designer Reuben Freed. None are known to exist now. > **[A Christmas Story Leg Lamp: A Look at Its History and Design](https://www.heirloomsathome.com/a-christmas-story-leg-lamp-a-look-at-its-history-and-design/)** > > From its design to its role in the movie, learn all about the Christmas Story leg lamp—an iconic and beloved movie prop. ETA: here’s an interview where Mr. Freed talks about the lamp and its creation. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/ll2OpHKBM2Y/maxresdefault.jpg "Illuminating Origins: Reuben Freed's Legacy and the True Leg Lamp | Ep009 - A Christmas Story") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll2OpHKBM2Y) ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/73 "2026-06-23T20:57:27Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > here’s an interview where Mr. Freed talks I thank you for the vid, but I’ll pass. An hour listening to that would drive me batty. Even without the “bouncing ball” subtitles! Who does that? Why? And why can’t it be turned off? ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/74 "2026-06-23T21:03:05Z")
Sorry about that. The lamp talk starts in earnest halfway in; they look great but he says they were actually quite fragile. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/75 "2026-06-23T21:05:46Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > actually quite fragile. that’s fra-gee-lay. It’s Italian. And it certainly looked easily breakable! ---
**Author:** ![F.U.Shakespeare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/76 "2026-06-23T21:27:07Z")
Minnesota Fats? IIRC there was a pool champion (Rudy Walderone) who the character (in the novel? or movie?) was based on. After the movie came out, he began going by the name Minnesota Fats. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/77 "2026-06-23T21:29:26Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > It looks like [Pizza Planet](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/movies/articles/toy-storys-pizza-planet-finally-083000524.html) from _Toy Story_ is going to become reality of a sort. There’s been one in Disneyland for a while, but does that really count? ---
**Author:** ![F.U.Shakespeare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/78 "2026-06-23T21:29:42Z")
OK, having posted that, I looked on wiki and see it’s more complicated. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/79 "2026-06-23T21:47:53Z")
> [@ZonexandScout](#): > > Has nobody mentioned a leg lamp yet? The Red Ryder BB gun featured in the movie also did not exist at the time, at least not in the configuration that is shown in the movie. When people wanted to buy the exact model that was featured in the movie, the manufacturer gave into the demand and started making a special “Christmas” version of the BB gun with the same features (compass and sundial on the stock, etc). ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108/80 "2026-06-23T21:48:30Z")
I saw Harry Potter Butterbeer flavored coffee creamer, today. There’s also baking things. Lots of pumpkin and Autumnal flavors. Good grief. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fictional-things-products-that-became-real/1031108.md?page=5)