A Mysterious Escape
During The Empire Strikes Back (1980), a background character in Cloud City is seen running through a hallway carrying what looks like an ice cream maker. The scene lasts only seconds, but the character’s determined escape made him an unexpected fan favorite.
The Actor Behind the Scene
The man holding the object was portrayed by extra Willrow Hood. His brief appearance led fans to nickname him “Ice Cream Guy.” The object he carried was actually a Hamilton Beach ice cream maker, a repurposed prop.
Fan Recognition and Lore Expansion
Over time, the Star Wars expanded universe gave Hood a backstory, turning the ice cream maker into a device called a camtono, which stores valuable goods. The character even inspired an annual “Running of the Hoods” event at Star Wars conventions, where fans dress up in orange jumpsuits and carry ice cream makers.
The Camtono Returns
In The Mandalorian (2019), the camtono reappeared, now officially shown as a secure container for valuable items. This unexpected return gave new relevance to the once-overlooked extra from The Empire Strikes Back.
In Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), a background character in Cloud City is seen running through a hallway carrying what looks like an ice cream maker. The scene lasts only seconds, but the character’s determined escape made him an unexpected fan favorite.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/XUBysPgMoS
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) February 23, 2025