Star Wars eBay toy leak shows film spoilers on packaging

Toy figurines of characters from the new Star Wars film The Force Awakens are being sold on eBay, with packaging providing plot descriptions that offer potential spoilers.

Finn, Poe Dameron, Captain Phasma, Chewbacca and the mysterious Kylo Ren are among the characters whose toy likenesses are being sold for up to $99 each on the auction site.

A new character called Constable Zuvio has also been named thanks to a small picture on the back of Finn’s packaging. To encourage buying multiple toys, each character comes with an accessory that can be combined with those from two specific character packs to make a new item.

The toys are due to be officially introduced in stores on September 4, nicknamed "Force Friday", and feature character descriptions on the back of the packaging which offer clues to the film. New additions to the Trooper army include a Flame Trooper and a Resistance Trooper.

Fans and collectors have had mixed reactions to the leak, while swapping pictures of the toys.

Responding to a post of blurry toy images on the Star Wars fan site Jedi Temple Archives, one reader  said: "Way to go Hasbro and Disney. Instead of revealing them yourselves to big fanfare at [Comic-Con] or Celebration you have left it to some random person on Facebook."

Others have pointed out the level of discussion building online will play in the companies' favour.

"Nothing gets cynics going like a good leak," replied another fan. "I wouldn't be at all surprised if Hasbro are quite happy with this. Launch a regular advertising campaign around the time of Force Friday to get the kids' attention and call it a day."