By now, the heady daze that was the 2019 Star Wars Celebration has ended with lots of funmemories. Previews to upcoming shows, video games and the long-awaited “Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” were presented and thoroughly enjoyed. But amazingly those weren’t all to be expected on the future of the galaxy far away. While we didn’t get an actual preview, a new LEGO Star Wars video game was somewhat announced during Star Wars Celebration. It was sort of mentioned in passing by sound designer Matthew Wood, Supervising Sound Editor for Skywalker Sound. As if it wasn’t obvious, the title will again be developed by WB Interactive and Traveller’s Tales.
Just to be clear, we’re still waiting for an official announcement from these game giants that will hopefully shed light on the content of this next LEGO Star Wars game. However, video game insider Eurogamer claims that this next video game instalment will be hailed as the ultimate LEGO Star Wars video game which will encompass all nine films and three trilogies comprising the Skywalker family saga.
The hugely successful Lego Star Wars series has so far adapted the space opera’s prequel trilogy, original trilogy, Clone Wars TV show and devoted an entire game to Episode 7: The Force Awakens.
Excitingly, I’ve heard this next game is more than just an adaptation of the saga’s remaining two episodes, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. While these episodes will be included, the project is designed to tell the story of the entire saga and I’ve heard it described as the “ultimate” Lego Star Wars game. Expect to see it announced later this year.
It will also include elements from the “Star Wars” Extended Universe. These are the official side-materials of the new Disney-Lucasfilm canon, displacing the original Expanded Universe/Legends continuity.
One notable feature previous LEGO Star Wars games would be the use of procedural generation for the in-game environment. Traveller’s Tales has already used that graphical mechanic in their 2017 sandbox title LEGO Worlds.
Aside from references to a space exploration mechanic between worlds and the uber-load of characters from the films, there’s no further info on this ultimate LEGO Star Wars video game, which would be the sixth in the WBI-TT series excluding re-masters. Perhaps the 2019 San Diego Comic Con in July will shed more light on it.
Just over the past weekend, we were treated to some great LEGO Star Wars-related news with the announcement of the rehashed LEGO Star Wars Tantive IV (75244). This New Hope inspired set is slated to land in LEGO Stores and online in time for May the 4th promotions – the unofficial but popular Star Wars Day fan commemorative celebration. And to make this day even more festive for fans, LEGO has announced that it will be giving away a free Mini Tantive IV set for the LEGO Star Wars faithful.
Tantive Make and Take Event
May 3-6: Come in to your local LEGO Store to build your very own Tantive model then take it home, for free! Registration is on a first come, first served basis and quantities are limited. Registration begins April 15 in stores only. The building event is intended for ages 6+ at store discretion.
LEGO Stores in the US will soon be joining in the May the 4th festivities by hosting its popular Make & Take Event. Beginning this Monday, April 15, registration has begun for builders aged 6 and up at all participating LEGO Stores. The registrants will then come back on their scheduled dates from May 3 to 6 to try their hands on this build. Similar to other LEGO Make and Take in-store promotional, participation in this event does not require any purchases.
Registered participating builders will be given the LEGO pieces needed to assemble the Mini Tantive IV set. And though it may be a far cry from the new, 2-feet long LEGO Star Wars Tantive IV (75244) set, this mini model is definitely cool to have around on your desk or just a testament to our all out, galactic geekiness. Like other Make and Take sets, expect that the building instructions for this mini model might be out soon, so thanks in advance to those who will be kind enough to share them online for all of to build.
The larger and grander LEGO Star Wars Tantive IV (75244) set is scheduled to be released on May 4 just in time for the global celebration of everything Star Wars. This set comes in 1,768 pieces, and will retail for $199.99 USD.
Star Wars Celebration 2019 is almost on its last day this week, and the major reveals have been put out of the way. All that’s left now is the waiting – a movie and several series will be starting later this year after all. For the meantime, most of us can go back to collecting these LEGO Star Wars sets now on discount at Amazon.
While there are a number of 20th Anniversary edition sets, there are also a number of new 2019 sets there. And much like the anniversary edition releases, these fresh LEGO Star Wars sets now have discounts on Amazon US. With that, every new product for LEGO Star Wars has reduced prices.
It’ll be hard for new LEGO sets to get any lower in price than with a good old online discount. Amazon is slashing as much as 20% from these particular products, listed here. To know more about these discounted LEGO Star Wars sets, just click on the following links below.
The annual fan event Star Wars Celebration 2019 has now come to a close, and among the LEGO exclusives that Star Wars and LEGO fans have closely followed and excited to have their hands on was the Target store exclusive LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader Bust (75227). Since it’s reveal last month just in time for SWC 2019, it seems that US Target stores weren’t initially prepared for the wave of LEGO Star Wars fans eager to have this exclusive.
For fans that were not fortunate enough to get their own set, LEGO was kind enough to release their building instructions for this Sith Lord tribute. And this time around, for those who are still yet to add this exclusive to their collection, you’ll be pleased to know that Target’s online portal still have them available online as of this posting for Target REDcard holders.
Just check back with Target every now and then if in case stocks run out again. And in case you’re interested in having other brick-built Star Wars busts added to your collection, then you may want to visit Build Better Bricks to check out their premium collection of building instructions to create other Star Wars iconic characters such as Yoda, Luke Skywalker and more. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect from the LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader Bust (75227).
LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader Bust (75227)
(LEGO Star Wars exclusive for Target REDcard holders in the US)
Highlights
New LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader Bust
Incredible dome and faceplate details
Brick-built respirator
Helmet adorned with raised ridges and studs
Great addition to any LEGO Star Wars collection
Turn to the Dark Side with the LEGO Star Wars 75227 Darth Vader Bust! This exclusive Star Wars Celebration building set features incredible dome and faceplate details, including a brick-built respirator encased in iconic black armor. Vader’s helmet is adorned with raised ridges and studs, which adds to the dramatic effect, and the instantly recognizable Dark Lord of the Sith will always strike fear in his enemies.
Number of Pieces: 327
Dimensions (Overall): 10.32 inches (L) x 2.32 inches (W) x 11.1 inches (H)
It’s an understatement to say that there has been a lot going on at Star Wars Celebration 2019 in Chicago. With the reveal of the first teaser trailer for Star Wars Episode XI: The Rise of Skywalker (now with a mind-boggling 17 million views in just 24 hours), LEGO has also fan the flame for LEGO Star Wars enthusiasts with its own teaser of its May the 4th LEGO offering. I previously reported that this year’s LEGO Star Wars May the 4th offering will be a throw back to one of the franchise’s most iconic ships, introduced in the very first Star Wars film. This time around, LEGO has now officially revealed the LEGO Star Wars Tantive IV (75244), and is now listed at shop.LEGO.com to be made available starting – as you may have known already – on May 4.
This year mark several milestones for LEGO Star Wars fans, with the first LEGO licensed theme celebrating its 20th year. And what better way to celebrate and mark the occasion then through a remake of one of the very first Star Wars ship that we saw on the big screen. To be exact, this is not the first time that the Rebel ship Tantive IV was given the LEGO treatment when the company released an official brick-built version back in 2009. Now after a decade since its first iteration, fans who are looking forward for the return of the iconic Rebel ship now has a chance to bag this impressive LEGO set starting on May the 4th. Though attendees of this year’s Star Wars Celebration in Chicago had the opportunity of being the first owners of this highly anticipated set, the rest of us will just have to wait a few more weeks before we can have our hands on it.
For the meantime, let’s check out these official images of the LEGO Star Wars Tantive IV (75244) together with its product description. Remember to visit your nearest LEGO Store, or keep tabs with LEGO Shop@Home on May 4 to bag your very own set.
LEGO Star War Tantive IV (75244)
Product Description
Ages 12+. 1768 pieces
US $199.99 – CA $269.99 – DE €199.99 – UK £179.99 – FR €219.99 – DK 1799DKK *Euro pricing varies by country. Please visit shop.LEGO.com for regional pricing.
Own an iconic Rebel blockade runner—Tantive IV!
Build, play and display a legendary Star WarsTM starship! This LEGO® Star Wars 75244 interpretation of Tantive IV, seen fleeing from an Imperial Star Destroyer in the opening moments of Star Wars: A New Hope, faithfully recreates all of the Rebel cruiser’s signature details, including an elongated hull, detachable escape pods, elevating gun turrets, cargo hold and 11 massive engines at the back. Remove the hull plating of this fantastic LEGO Star Wars vehicle to reveal a detailed 2-minifigure cockpit, conference area with table, weapon rack and a control console with 2 seats. The radar dish also doubles as a convenient carry handle, which makes it perfect for flying around the room. When the mission is over, this amazing kids’ buildable toy also makes a great centerpiece for any LEGO Star Wars collection. The set also includes 5 minifigures and an R2-D2 droid LEGO figure.
Includes 5 LEGO® Star WarsTM minifigures: Bail Organa, Princess Leia, Captain Antilles, C-3PO and a Rebel Fleet Trooper, plus an R2-D2 droid LEGO figure.
Tantive IV LEGO® Star WarsTM construction toy features a radar that doubles as a carry handle, 2 detachable escape pods with space for a minifigure inside, opening cargo hold and removable cargo box, opening 2- minifigure cockpit, rotating and elevating stud-shooting turrets on top and 2 spring-loaded shooters underneath. The top hull detaches to reveal a detailed interior including a conference table, weapon rack and a control console with 2 seats for the minifigures.
Weapons include a blaster pistol and 3 blasters.
Also includes a pair of electrobinoculars.
Captain Antilles minifigure is an updated version from 2009, while Princess Leia’s skirt and Bail Organa are new for April 2019.
This highly detailed building toy construction set includes over 1,750 pieces.
Recreate amazing moments from the opening scene of Star Wars: A New Hope or play out your own exciting adventures!
LEGO® Star WarsTM starship measures over 5” (14cm) high, 24” (62cm) long and 7” (19cm) wide.
These past few days LEGO has been teasing fans with a Star Wars Surprise Box. As with previous packages like these the contents are ostensibly a mystery. For the box size they’re sure to contain mini-builds in polybags and minifigures too. But when’s it coming out? How do we even get it? We finally know.
For five days starting April 11, the LEGO Star Wars Surprise Box (5005704) is available in several European Shop@Home markets. As if trying to compete with LEGO Marvel’s line and its promotional Avengers Tower (40334), there’s quite the minimum purchase to get this Surprise Box.
Be they from the UK, Denmark, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria or Sweden, mainland European shoppers need €85 or £85 minimum worth of LEGO Star Wars purchases to get the box before April 15. This can tie into the ongoing Seasonal Easter Chicken Skater Pod (853958) promo, which requires a minimum €/£35 of any LEGO purchase.
Contents of the LEGO Star Wars Surprise Box (5005704) this year will be a variety of collectible minifigure polybags or keychains, five in every box. Lucky buyers could chance to acquire any of these rare finds: platinum R2-D2, sterling silver R2-D2 or graded TC-14 minifigure.
There’s no word yet on when the Surprise Box (5005704) finds its way to Shop@Home US, or if it will.
While Star Wars fans are gearing up for the grandest fan event in the galaxy with Star Wars Celebration 2019, LEGO as it seems will not miss this opportunity to launch its newest LEGO Star Wars set. Similar to the release of 2017’s mammoth sized LEGO Star Wars UCS Millennium Falcon (75192), LEGO is slated to release a special set that takes its cue from one of the first rebel ships that appeared in the film franchise. A redesigned set from 2009, the LEGO Star Wars Tantive IV (75244) has now been revealed, with the first image of its box art now making its round over the internet and said to be released just in time for the May the 4th fan fare.
There is no official announcement from LEGO as of this posting, but from what we can surmise, the LEGO Star Wars Tantive IV (75244) will come in 1,768 pieces and comes with new minifigures of Leia and Bail Organa, Captain Antilles, a Rebel Trooper, C-3PO and R2-D2. It is expected to retail for $199.99 USD. Though it is not expected to be a sort of UCS or a Master Builder set as shared by Promobricks, but is a good catch otherwise considering that the last time this iconic ship was given the LEGO treatment was 10 years ago.
Considering that Star Wars Celebration 2019 is now in full swing, we can probably expect more news about its release anytime soon. So what do you think about this new LEGO Star Wars Tantive IV set? Is it a good choice of a set for May the 4th? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
The LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary New Edition 2019 has been finally listed over at Amazon and is now made available to the general public.
As LEGO is a constantly evolving toy line, many reference materials produced in partnership with publishing companies need updating now and then. For instance, the LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary from Dorling-Kindersley UK first arrived in 2009 and received only an expansion in 2014. That promise has finally come.
Here’s What to Expect from the LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary New Edition 2019
It’s just like companies working on products and merchandise related to a major IP to time their releases during a significant milestone. DK Publishing has just released the new and updated LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary New Edition 2019, just in time for the LEGO Star Wars 20th Anniversary. Amazon has the hardcover reference book listed, and major bookstores carrying LEGO books should already be stocking it on shelves.
We probably didn’t forget but just in case: like most other LEGO books from DK and several other partner publishers, this visual dictionary comes with a bonus exclusive minifigure. Revealed this February, we know it’s going to be Finn in his Bacta Tank suit from Episode VIII – The Last Jedi.
The LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary New Edition 2019 will feature an exclusive Finn in Bacta suit minifigure. Image courtesy of Brickset.
LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary New Edition 2019 Official Description
That is pretty much all we need to know, but for completion’s sake we’ll leave you with the official synopsis for the LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary New Edition also viewable on Amazon (US/UK):
Explore the LEGO Star Wars galaxy with this visual guide to the minifigures, vehicles, and sets from the entire Star Wars saga. Discover every detail of the Millennium Falcon, look around the Death Star, examine Poe Dameron’s X-wing starfighter, and find out about all your favourite LEGO Star Wars minifigures-from Rey to Darth Vader. Learn how the awesome sets are created in the Beyond the Brick chapter, which features concept art and an interview with the LEGO Star Wars creative team.
Let me know what you think about this new LEGO Star Wars book. Comment down below if you’re planning to add this to your LEGO collection.
When Lucasfilm held an event to celebrate the release of the first Star Wars prequel film in 1999, that one-off occasion became a regular fixture of Star Wars fandom. This year, the Star Wars Celebration will be happening in Chicago, and LEGO’s going to be there, with panels for media and merchandise in store. Speaking of merchandise, we’ve got a nice LEGO press release regarding a particular set appearing in the Star Wars Celebration. It’s a representation of the space opera franchise’s most iconic Sith Lord. The LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader Bust (75227) consists of 327 pieces, very much similar to the designs from our good ol’ folks in Build Better Bricks.
Here’s the official LEGO set blurb:
LEGO®Star Wars™
75227– Darth Vader™ Bust
327 pieces | Ages 14+$39.99 (USD)
Available April 11, 2019 through Star Wars Celebration and Target REDcard
Turn to the Dark Side with the LEGO® Star Wars™ 75227 Darth Vader™ Bust! This exclusive Star Wars Celebration building set features incredible dome and faceplate details, including a brick-built respirator encased in iconic black armor. Vader’s helmet is adorned with raised ridges and studs, which adds to the dramatic effect, and the instantly recognizable Dark Lord of the Sith will always strike fear in his enemies.Darth Vader Bust Star Wars building set measures 262mm long, 282mm wide, and 59mm high.
Regarding the availability of this LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader Bust (75227), limited quantities are going to be raffled off via lottery during the Star Wars Celebration Chicago, which runs next month, from April 11 to 16. The rest of them will be available only through Target’s RedCard program starting on the same date, and will last while supplies do. Needless to say, expect this to be a prize collector’s item among LEGO Star Wars fans.
This piece of news is rather odd, but in a relatively good way. If you recall back in 2017, one of the better sets that LEGO has released under the LEGO Star Wars The Last Jedi subtheme is the new Resistance Bomber (75188) set consisting of 778 pieces and 5 minifigures. One of these minifigures was simply referred to as Resistance Bomber Pilot, in honor supposedly of the pilot that coursed the bomber that destroyed the Dreadnaught at the opening sequence of The Last Jedi. It was a cliff hanger of a scene, with the entire crew of the lone Resistance Bomber eventually sacrificing their selves in order to carry out their critical mission. It is a great scene that eventually found its way as an official LEGO set. However, devout LEGO Star Wars fans quickly noticed the small, but very unpleasant inconsistency that this particular LEGO set has, and LEGO was quick to respond.
The LEGO Star Wars Resistance Bomber (75188) released in 2017.
According to an excellent summary written by The Brothers Brick, this nagging inconsistency was eventually addressed by LEGO. So what was it exactly? With the release of The Last Jedi: Cobalt Squadron novel, which is considered as part of Star Wars canon, the generic Resistance Bomber Pilot now has a name, and LEGO eventually re-issued a new minifigure to accurately represent his character. Named as Finch Dallow, LEGO has now confirmed that they will be re-issuing, or has issued an update already, to correct this matter. Though Finch was only given 5-seconds of screen time on the big screen, it was enough to give us a close look at the character.
British actor Kevin Layne who played the role of Finch Dallow in The Last Jedi.
As you may have noticed already, Finch’s character is very much different from his generic minifigure rendition that was released with the Resistance Bomber (75188) set. Thankfully, the matter was addressed by LEGO when it gave its official response to an inquiring fan:
“When we develop LEGO sets based on movies, we aspire to make minifigures and models that reflect the iconic characters and scenes in the film. For this reason our products are most often developed by LEGO designers using reference material from specific movies – still images, sketches, as well as in the actual movies as inspiration. We developed The Lego Star Wars Resistance Bomber set (75188), based on “The Last Jedi” movie and discovered after the film was released that one of The Lego minifigures in the set doesn’t reflect the movie scene properly. As a result, we decided to adjust the set accordingly, true to our motto: “Only the best is good enough”. We hope Star Wars fans across the world appreciate this attention to details”
It is a known fact that LEGO designers do not really receive the entire set of details about a film or a particular scene in which a LEGO set will eventually be based. This holds true in the case of the LEGO Star Wars Resistance Bomber. This adjustment resulted in the roll-out of a new and updated LEGO Star Wars Resistance Bomber (75188) that perfectly captures in minifigure form the character of Finch Dallow, including his Resistance helmet as well. Check out these side by side images, comparing the old and new minifigs, as shared by The Brothers Brick.
Image composite courtesy of The Brothers Brick.Image composite courtesy of The Brothers Brick.Image composite courtesy of The Brothers Brick.
Now I’m not really sure if this re-issued LEGO Star Wars Resistance Bomber set has already been released to the market, but an Instagram post from actor Kevin Layne who played the role of Finch Dallow, may hint that this re-issued set may already be out there.
A post shared by Kevin Layne (@kevinlayneofficial) on
The only question is where and how will you be able to get this set later on, considering that it is reasonable to expect that previously released Resistance Bomber sets with the generic Resistance Bomber Pilot minifigure, is still distributed in the market. Though as TBB observes, this kind of scarcity has led to some ‘overblown’ hype towards the Finch minifigure, as evidenced by its risen value of as much as $100 in some secondary market platforms. This is not something that LEGO intends though, and I’m personally glad that LEGO has corrected this matter, though a little bit too late in my opinion.
Frankly, it’s now seems to a kind of hit and miss if you wish to get your hands on an updated set that contains the new Finch Dallow minifigure. Even if the Resistance Bomber is still up and selling at shop.LEGO.com, buying it from LEGO’s online store still doesn’t guarantee if ever you will receive the new minifig. In fact, the LEGO Shop@Home page for this particular set is still not updated with the new Finch minifig as of this posting.
Anyways, what are your thoughts about this change? Do you think it’s worthwhile to haunt down this set with the hope of landing on this new and accurate minifigure rendition? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
