General Magma Posted February 11, 2015 Posted February 11, 2015 Wild West-themed LEGO things seem to have been becoming more and more prominent the past few years. After the "Lone Ranger" line from a few years ago, I've been wondering if we might get to see the actual non-licensed LEGO Western theme finally return after a hiatus of nearly two decades. Especially what with the Western figures that are being released in the Collectible Minifig series (a Western figure for two series in a row), and the fact that new non-costume molds for CMFs usually hint at something more. Note how there are currently two Wild West headpieces that have only been used once so far, both recently, and that the theme showed up quite prominently in last year's The LEGO Movie. One of the headpieces first made an appearance in TLM, only to be used on a CMF later on, and it seems that other pieces (molds) shown in TLM also end up being released. Which leaves one unreleased cowboy hat (a rather tall one that was worn by almost every cowboy figure we've seen in TLM). I think this either means that we'll get yet another Western figure in one of next year's CMF series, or that there is a new Western theme on the horizon. Obviously hoping for the latter. Maybe it's neither, but I very much doubt that. So, let us all discuss this matter here. Do you think it's likely there will be a new Western theme anytime soon? Was 'The Lone Ranger' enough for you already, or would you like to see the return of non-licensed Western sets? If so, what would you like to see in a new theme? Thoughts & wishlists are welcome, of course, but if you've found anything else that seems to be hinting at a new Western theme, do tell! Quote
Geno Posted February 11, 2015 Posted February 11, 2015 I would enjoy a Western theme, but I'm personally doubtful of this happening. I don't imagine the Wild West has much interest outside the States, and as an international company Lego would have to take that into consideration. At the end of the day, they need to make money off it, and I perceive that didn't happen very well with the Lone Ranger theme. Quote
Vorkosigan Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 The financial failure of the Lone Ranger movie and then subsequent financial failure of the Lego tie in line suggests to me that it is very unlikely to see a full Wild West theme. I just don't think it is popular subject matter with today's youth. The CMF figures and TLM tie in sets are a way to provide some western subject matter to the market without committing to a theme. Quote
jodawill Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 My theory is that we will see a wave of Wild West sets in the third or fourth quarter this year. It's the only explanation I can think of to explain why they changed the blue baseplates to tan at the same time they brought back Pirates. Blue isn't helpful for Wild West. Tan is good for both themes. Quote
Ardelon Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Considering the low status of historical and non-action themes, Id be surprised to see Wild West sets anytime soon, with the Pirates line just availabe, and a Castle 2016 line rumored. Id expect a WW theme only after one of these two other historical themes has ended. I would definitely not mind being wrong, though. @ Geno: As a European, I dont think the Wild West is significantly less popular than in the US, thanks to the works of Karl May and Morris (author of Lucky Luke). If WW is currently unpopular, Id say its a global phenomenon. Quote
kabel Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Playmobil is doing really well with their Western theme, so there is an interest among the kids. My own kids love all the Western stuff I moc for them but LR failed because it was too expensive and too specific. Anyway, due to this failure I doubt we'll see it ever again. Quote
Blakstone Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 I think LEGO would be successful with Wild West, but the biggest challenge is completing with other LEGO themes. I would be Wild West only if there wasn't any Castle, Pirates, or Superhereos that I wanted. I doubt that Wild West will come back as a theme soon, but it seems to be a viable theme within CMF like the Greco-Roman. While the Lone Ranger movie did bomb, the LEGO sets in my area did really well. I only find the Silver Mine on clearance. I doubt quite a few sets but never saw the movie. Quote
SkaForHire Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 I am sure we will get some, then finally we can put together Guilds of the Wild West forum. ::ducks:: I miss WW, that was the first series I binged on as a kid and the first army I ever collected. (Now all those cavalry riders wear heavy armor and ride for Kaliphlin!) Quote
kabel Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 then finally we can put together Guilds of the Wild West forum. hey, what a great idea ... can I be on the Mexican side? Quote
Rogue Angel Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Who said the Line Ranger sets sold poorly for Lego? My Lego store sold out in 6 months with a mere 10% discount. I didn't see them last long long in the big box stores either. Now, the movie was a failure, Chima is a failure, but I don't think Lone Ranger Lego was at all. I think they cut short the production run, and didn't make as much profit as they'd hoped, but I'd have a hard time believing they lost any money on it. hey, what a great idea ... can I be on the Mexican side? You've hit the nail on the head. What we need is realistic Mexican and Indian Wild West figures. And of course civilians. The CMF sombrero mold is great, but we need it in Brown/Tan/Black. Quote
Blakstone Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 I guess the Lone Ranger really was bad for LEGO after all. LEGO Group CEO Jørgen Von Knudstorp told ToyNews that “Other times we try something out like Prince of Persia, which didn’t really work out, or The Lone Ranger, and that has to be done from time to time because we do need to test the water a little bit.” Quote
kabel Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 I strongly believe a generic theme in the normal price range would have done way better. But then again, I really stacked up on the sets when they were sold for reall cheap (20 € for Colby city). But to start, for example, with 50 € for the coach was just absolutely into the face of the European customers. So except for CMFs I think they are done with it, unfortunately. We are still missing buffalos and wolfes! Quote
Rogue Angel Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 I guess the Lone Ranger really was bad for LEGO after all. LEGO Group CEO Jørgen Von Knudstorp told ToyNews that “Other times we try something out like Prince of Persia, which didn’t really work out, or The Lone Ranger, and that has to be done from time to time because we do need to test the water a little bit.” I think this translates too "Lone Ranger didn't make much and Prince of Persia actually lost us money" I was still seeing PoP sets at one my TRUs in summer last year. Quote
BrickSev Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 From time to time TLG puts some Western Minifigure in the CMF series but apparently it's not a theme they are willing to invest a lot on. It's possible they will make anew Western theme but for sure it won't be any time soon (namely this year), unless I missed some rumor/info I've been always curious about a Wild West in Lego so I made a little project with the Sheriffs from Series 13, since I got eight of them I thought it would have been a nice chance to do something Wild West related Quote
Ardelon Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 You've hit the nail on the head. What we need is realistic Mexican and Indian Wild West figures. And of course civilians. The CMF sombrero mold is great, but we need it in Brown/Tan/Black. What Im afraid of is that TLG wouldnt want to provoke the Political Correctness Police by presenting scenarios like „cowboy“-Indian conflict, Mexican bandits, etc. Though I am a bit miffed that we get the sombrero in green and red but not in a more natural color. Quote
BrickSev Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 What Im afraid of is that TLG wouldnt want to provoke the Political Correctness Police by presenting scenarios like „cowboy“-Indian conflict, Mexican bandits, etc. Though I am a bit miffed that we get the sombrero in green and red but not in a more natural color. Political Correctness Policy may indeed limit this potential theme a lot. It's the same policy that prevents modern military vehicles to be produced (see for example Lego Ideas rules). I understand they may want to limit the "references" to violent events but they have the license for Star Wars which is about a Galaxy-wide and not so nice conflict with a lot of casualties and persons cut into pieces by Lightsabers (not very peaceful encounters) and DC Comics which content, well, it's not always "family friendly". Anyway they have their policies and I respect them Quote
Blakstone Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 I appreciate LEGO not wanting to demonize real life groups of people. I can see them instead having cowboy gangs of bank robbers. So there is both good and bad cowboys. Quote
BrickSev Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 I appreciate LEGO not wanting to demonize real life groups of people. I can see them instead having cowboy gangs of bank robbers. So there is both good and bad cowboys. I agree with you on the "real life group of people". I'm a bit unsure about the "not real military stuff" policy for the reasons above (i.e. Star Wars etc ) but I agree on the "real persons" matter Quote
kabel Posted February 14, 2015 Posted February 14, 2015 A Wild West Contest of some sort would be a good idea I think. What would you think? Quote
General Magma Posted February 14, 2015 Author Posted February 14, 2015 Playmobil is doing really well with their Western theme, so there is an interest among the kids. My own kids love all the Western stuff I moc for them but LR failed because it was too expensive and too specific. Anyway, due to this failure I doubt we'll see it ever again. Wondered about how well those were doing a while back, too, when I saw a Playmobil Western box somewhere. Certainly it can't be gone forever, I think - if "The Lone Ranger" did alright while the movie bombed, then I'm sure a regular Wild West theme would do better. My theory is that we will see a wave of Wild West sets in the third or fourth quarter this year. It's the only explanation I can think of to explain why they changed the blue baseplates to tan at the same time they brought back Pirates. Blue isn't helpful for Wild West. Tan is good for both themes. Quite curious indeed, let's hope that's the reason. There are plenty of things possibly pointing towards a new Wild West theme now... A Wild West Contest of some sort would be a good idea I think. What would you think? That would be a great idea - I say bring it on! Quote
Rijkvv Posted February 28, 2015 Posted February 28, 2015 I'm still sad the great Lego Ideas proposal of a Modular Western town got rejected. Only because Lego needed to get another License theme, with IMHO mediocre sets based on an aweful movie. Looking at the newer Pirates sets (2009-now) I'm afraid new Western sets will be nowhere near as good as the old ones. Maybe it's a feel of nostalgia, I have to think positive. With the terms of Ideas being changed, chances of a Modular Western town are little. I still think a series of a Modular Western buildings would be popular. Quote
greenalfonzo Posted February 28, 2015 Posted February 28, 2015 I think Zorro would make a great WW theme. You have the crossover appeal of the Western & Napoleanic-style soliders, plus Southwestern/Colonial architecture, which would be somewhat new and different. Quote
BrickSev Posted February 28, 2015 Posted February 28, 2015 My theory is that we will see a wave of Wild West sets in the third or fourth quarter this year. It's the only explanation I can think of to explain why they changed the blue baseplates to tan at the same time they brought back Pirates. Blue isn't helpful for Wild West. Tan is good for both themes. Interesting theory. However we must consider the fact "Tan" is indeed a very popular color. There have been many persons requiring the "tan baseplate" because it's actually very useful even outside Wild West or Pirate themes. Star Wars or other Sci-Fi desert planets or any modern desert. There is not a single theme where a tan baseplate won't be of some use Anyway I hope you're right and that we'll get a Wild West theme. I'm always happy when cool new themes are released Quote
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