Christopher Rich acquired a car used in productions like Hawkeye and Agatha All Along, faced viralization, fine, and renovations to transform the piece into thematic accommodation
A Marvel subway car, used in productions like Hawkeye and Agatha All Along, was purchased by Christopher Rich, a real estate broker from Atlanta, for $5,000. The piece, acquired on November 2, 2024, is set to become a themed Airbnb with references to the scenes filmed in the studio.
Purchase began at Marvel props liquidation
The idea came when Rich, 34, visited a large warehouse with retired props from Marvel productions.
Among various items used in movies and series, the subway car immediately caught his attention.
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Marvel Studios filmed many productions in Atlanta for almost a decade. After moving most of the filming to London two years ago, the studio held a stock liquidation to sell items used in previous shoots.
The car had appeared in Hawkeye and Agatha All Along. According to Rich, it was “love at first sight.” Before closing the deal, he called his brother to assess if the idea was viable.
The item was listed for $10,000, with a 25% discount on the day of the visit. Rich decided to negotiate and offered $5,000. After a few minutes, the proposal was accepted.
Marvel subway car will be transformed into accommodation
After the purchase, Rich decided to transform the car into a tiny house for vacation rental. The proposal is to offer an experience where guests can sleep inside a subway car used as a Marvel set.
The project does not intend to recreate the series scene by scene. The idea is to bring the space closer to the feeling of being in a New York subway, with subtle references to superheroes and the productions in which the car appeared.
Among the planned details is the restoration of three seats used in a scene with Hawkeye, played by Jeremy Renner, and Kate Bishop, a character by Hailee Steinfeld.
Rich intends to return the seats to their original color scheme of orange, yellow, and red. Thus, visitors will be able to sit in the same place used by the characters and take photos within the setting.
Another detail will be the bell. When someone rings it, they will hear the phrase: “Please stand clear of the closing doors!”. Rich also plans to hide easter eggs throughout the space but prefers to keep most of them a secret.
Work may cost up to $125,000
Although the car cost $5,000, the complete transformation is expected to be much more expensive. According to Rich, the final project should cost between $100,000 and $125,000.
The construction has recently progressed. Last week, workers concreted the base where the car will be permanently installed. It is expected to be removed from Rich’s garage and taken to its final location this week.
After this stage, the construction company estimates about three months to complete the rest of the work. With this, the exclusive Airbnb could welcome its first guests in October.
Rich bought the car on November 2, 2024, but says the project has progressed sporadically.
Car went viral and took owner to court
Before becoming accommodation, the car had already attracted attention on social media. It was parked for months at the entrance of Rich’s house in Atlanta while he awaited permits and the start of construction.
A woman drove by, filmed the car, and posted the video online. The content reached a New York Instagram account with over 1.2 million followers and went viral without Rich knowing.
Later, he discovered the repercussion when he posted photos of the car on Reddit. According to Rich, about 90% of the comments were positive, with people curious to follow the transformation.
The presence of the car in the garage also caused problems with local authorities. An anonymous neighbor reported the case to DeKalb County, which led Rich to court twice.
He claims that he always tried to follow the rules, but acknowledges that he had to store the wagon at home while awaiting authorizations. The case ended with a fine of $250, including court costs.
Discussion about the wagon’s origin divided fans
The project also mobilized train enthusiasts. Some commentators said the wagon was a modified R62.
Others believed it to be an old CTA train from Chicago or a piece built from scratch by Marvel.
Rich explained that the seats turned blue after being painted for Agatha All Along. He also said that the wagon was cut in half to facilitate transport within the studio.
Current and former MTA employees also contacted Rich. According to him, some liked the project and sent suggestions on how to make the experience more authentic.
For Rich, the biggest attraction will be allowing fans to enter a real part of an audiovisual production. He hopes that families, children who like trains and superheroes, as well as adults, will leave the place smiling.
This article was prepared based on information from PEOPLE, with data, numbers, and statements preserved as per the consulted material.
