Star Wars license discussion

[Fatespuppet]

I must say I'm amazed at how much hatred there seems to be toward the Star Wars theme from supposed fans. I, for one, hope the Lego Star Wars theme keeps going and brings in the EU. I'd personally love to have KotOR figures and ship sets. Besides, Star Wars media is going to be coming out for a very long time.

Right now there's the already mentioned Live Action series in the works. Clone Wars the tv series is set to run for a good 4 years on Cartoon Network and there's the much rumored KoTOR MMO that is possibly in development. These alone give Lego plenty of material to produce a dozen sets a year for 3 more years(remember 08 is over).

I think the new CW sets are excellent additions to the SW theme, and as mentioned previously this year has seen a return to great set design across the Lego world. I don't expect that to change for next year or even in the next 5 or so.

It may be a wish for them to renew the license, but I'd be shocked if they let it go. I can't think of anything that could replace it as an income generator. Lord of the Rings is over and done with except for the Hobbit. I seriouly hope Lego doesn't consider dropping their current Castle line to make those. Anime and manga themed sets are a definite no no simply because they are too fad based. Classic space, though sure to please older fans, won't have the allure of Star Wars simply because it won't have a built in fan base of collectors of the same size. Comic based sets seem to do well, but without movie support they run out of steam quickly.

[Matteo Kenobi]

I don't see it ending any time soon - they've got a 10 anniversary set on the schedule for next year which indicates what a linchpin the SW sets are to the LEGO range as a whole.

There are also plenty more UCS sets to be made, and the new Death star playset suggests that this is an area they could explore some more.

Don't forget - it's not just kids and AFOLs who are buying the SW sets, there are the SW fans as well - I mean the ones who don't really care about LEGO but who are just buying stuff and never opening it in the vain hope that it will somehow become valuable in the future so they can retire (incidentally, IMO, anyone who buys toys as an "investment" and doesn't open them should be shot. There, I've said it. I collect stuff, I buy Doctor Who toys and books but I have no qualms about ripping opening the packaging and actually USING the things, I just don't get people who will buy stuff to have it sat around in the boxes, but I digress...).

The new colour scheme for Darth's TIE X1 might present the possibility of new TIEs in similar colours - yes I know this means essentially re-issued or revamped sets but new children coming to LEGO won't be able to get the older sets so it would be negligent of TLC to ignore these new collectors by not keeping them stocked with the essentials - look at how often they pump out Police Stations for an example of needing to keep up with a market that is forever refreshing itself.

Remember, although the AFOL market is important to TLC, it's NOT their prime market and they won't necessarily care that AFOLs keep having to buy new versions of old sets just to keep up with their collections, they'll mainly be interested in young children being able to play with TIE Fighters and X-Wings.

Besides which...if we keep buying the reissued sets anyway which, let's face it, is highly likely, then LEGO know it's a guaranteed sale anyway! So where's the risk to them?

Dr. S.

It's like a complete circle, as few people that get tired of it many new kids get into it and become huge consumers. So right now, I think it is a possibility in 2 years however if it unfortunately takes a downfall things will change. I don't know about you but I can't imagine Lego with out star Wars

[Doctor Sinister]

Besides which...if LEGO dropped SW, then Megablox might snatch up the licence - and can you see TLC tolerating that?

Dr. S.

[JimBee]

I must say I'm amazed at how much hatred there seems to be toward the Star Wars theme from supposed fans. I, for one, hope the Lego Star Wars theme keeps going and brings in the EU. I'd personally love to have KotOR figures and ship sets. Besides, Star Wars media is going to be coming out for a very long time.

Right now there's the already mentioned Live Action series in the works. Clone Wars the tv series is set to run for a good 4 years on Cartoon Network and there's the much rumored KoTOR MMO that is possibly in development. These alone give Lego plenty of material to produce a dozen sets a year for 3 more years(remember 08 is over).

I think the new CW sets are excellent additions to the SW theme, and as mentioned previously this year has seen a return to great set design across the Lego world. I don't expect that to change for next year or even in the next 5 or so.

It may be a wish for them to renew the license, but I'd be shocked if they let it go. I can't think of anything that could replace it as an income generator. Lord of the Rings is over and done with except for the Hobbit. I seriouly hope Lego doesn't consider dropping their current Castle line to make those. Anime and manga themed sets are a definite no no simply because they are too fad based. Classic space, though sure to please older fans, won't have the allure of Star Wars simply because it won't have a built in fan base of collectors of the same size. Comic based sets seem to do well, but without movie support they run out of steam quickly.

It's not that we (I) hate it, it's just that it's getting stale, and as I said before, the Clone Wars series/ movie don't appeal to me. I love all of the movies, and it's great to see all of the LEGO sets made on locations and vehicles based on those movies, but after a while, all of the cool vehicles from the six films will be made, and I believe that TLG should leave the theme in it's glory before they overdo it.

[Lt. Col. Thok]

Besides which...if LEGO dropped SW, then Megablox might snatch up the licence - and can you see TLC tolerating that?

Dr. S.

Wrong! MegaBrands - the owner of Megablocks, obviously - is experiencing financial troubles and is trying to sell itself - no buyers, though, in the 5 months it's been for sale. I don't believe SW would go their - Marvel abandoned them after the failed Spidey 3 line.

[Justin2224]

If they did KotOR, it would be nic to have a minifig scale Ebon Hawk like the Falcon. Sith fighters would be cool to have as well, since theya re the TIEs of the Old Republic. Other than that there is plenty to do in the EU. Republic Commando, KotOR, Jedi Knight, Battlefront, and all sotrs of other things. So we can more than likely see the line countinuing. If not, It'll give me time to catch up with all the sets I missed, and maybe they will just stop producing new sets, and star selling old ones. In 2012 they should do 1999, 2013 do 2000 and so on and so fourth. That would be nice to have if they did end it. another thing that would be nice is if the did a HALO theme to replace it as LEGO's Sci-Fi theme.

Dr.S, why would you think such evil thoughts, George Lucas would never let that happen. I an sure he likes LEGO because of the Star Wars licsense. He probably has all of the sets siting at his house anyway.

[Doctor Sinister]

Wrong! MegaBrands - the owner of Megablocks, obviously - is experiencing financial troubles and is trying to sell itself - no buyers, though, in the 5 months it's been for sale. I don't believe SW would go their - Marvel abandoned them after the failed Spidey 3 line.

Lucas doesn't care where his money comes from, he might just do it and something like this could revive a brand. After all, look at what it did for LEGO! I wouldn't write off the possibility. Not that it is one as long as TLC holds the rights.

Dr. S.

Dr.S, why would you think such evil thoughts, George Lucas would never let that happen. I an sure he likes LEGO because of the Star Wars licsense. He probably has all of the sets siting at his house anyway.

Lucas has no integrity, you just have to look at the CW movie itself to realise that (release a TV movie onto the big screen to scrape up loads more cash).

Dr. S.

Edited August 24, 2008 by Doctor Sinister

[Legoman]

It's not that we (I) hate it, it's just that it's getting stale, and as I said before, the Clone Wars series/ movie don't appeal to me. I love all of the movies, and it's great to see all of the LEGO sets made on locations and vehicles based on those movies, but after a while, all of the cool vehicles from the six films will be made, and I believe that TLG should leave the theme in it's glory before they overdo it.

^^I couldn't put it better myself.Exactly what he said ^^

[LEGOMAN132]

Think of this it is better that LEGO has the license . Then Mega Blocks having it.

yes LEGO will. (edited after KImT replyed.)sorry about that.

Edited August 24, 2008 by LEGOMAN132

[KimT]

Think of this it is better that LEGO has the license . Then Mega Blocks having it.

Mkay, but the topic is: "Do You think they (TLG) will renew the license when it expires?"

I am not sure myself. I guess it depends on wether the Expanded Universe (EU) becomes a success or not.

[Derek]

I really think Indy can be the killer or savior of the SW line. Considering they are both Lucasfilm, Indy could do really well and go past '11, so considering they might still have relations with the company, they could renew SW. However, if Indy does bad (which probably wont be for a while, if it ever does), that also might be a reason to continue SW.

And I do think Indy has the potential to replace SW.

[Justin2224]

That's a good point, Indy is a new theme. But since theh Star Wars galaxy is almmost infinite, Star Wars still has more untapped potential than Indy. Regardless of who 'wins the war', I'll still buy them both. I just like Star Wars better, meh.................

[Matteo Kenobi]

That's a good point, Indy is a new theme. But since theh Star Wars galaxy is almmost infinite, Star Wars still has more untapped potential than Indy. Regardless of who 'wins the war', I'll still buy them both. I just like Star Wars better, meh.................

Well I for one am rooting for star wars. However the thing with indy is that it's mostly playsets, there arent many "vehicles" that comes with it whcih means that its not to expandable. It has the potential, however I don't know if in 3 years its going to be doing as well as it is now.

Edited August 25, 2008 by Matteo Kenobi

[Fatespuppet]

I don't really see Indy as even close to a replacement for Star Wars. Can you really sit down and think of 10 or so sets a year that Lego could release for Indy?

I think they'll renew the license, but for all we know there could be some huge idea that knocks our socks off in 2 years making SW not as neccesary to their financial success.

[darkrebellion]

If they did KotOR, it would be nic to have a minifig scale Ebon Hawk like the Falcon. Sith fighters would be cool to have as well, since theya re the TIEs of the Old Republic. Other than that there is plenty to do in the EU. Republic Commando, KotOR, Jedi Knight, Battlefront, and all sotrs of other things

I don

Edited August 25, 2008 by darkrebellion

[Lt. Col. Thok]

Lucas doesn't care where his money comes from, he might just do it and something like this could revive a brand. After all, look at what it did for LEGO! I wouldn't write off the possibility. Not that it is one as long as TLC holds the rights.

Dr. S.

Yes, well....it would just break my heart to see an ugly, blocky, misshappen Luke....

[WookieeWarrior]

SW is far from dead. There's the Clone Wars, the live action show, and the promise of a future animated series assuming CW does well.

[Snake...SNAKE...SNAAAAKE?!]

and a large recepticle of nerds

(Of which I am one )

[SuvieD]

Star wars lego sells well. That means lego makes profit. If and when it ceases to do so lego will not pursue a renewal.

Why argue about it?

[Corvus]

There's plenty of things to happen 'till 2011, and until then, LSW could go up or it could go down. We'll just have to wait and see, and enjoy (and hoard) the sets until then.

[darkrebellion]

Hi, while looking again at the CW movie I get the idea of this topic and I think that it is a good idea (I know I get inspiration of certainly uninspiring moments ). The fact that we are almost at the end of our beloved SW license and even if there is a big possibility of a re-new of the license I think there is also a small possibility that it will be gone forever . After that little introduction the question is the next one: Which do you think will be the TLC´s grand finale sets/wave/exclusive? Also the ideas must be possible (With this I mean that please don´t post things like a set with 300 different minifigs and a giant stand for $50 ). I will give my idea later casue I need to attend some things.

[RepublicForces]

maybe special big battle of hoth with 10 snowtroopers, 10 rebels,1 at-at pilot,4 rebel pilots,1 at-at(special),2 snowspeeders and some white ground plates (first post )

Edited February 4, 2009 by repubilcFORCES

[DarthSion]

I don't see Lego giving up the license and i don't see Lucas arts giving up either.

[Big Pete]

almost at an end?! The current deal runs through till the end of 2011 does it not ?

Plus, I reckon it'll be renewed ... sales of the line are hardly slumping, so if it's profitable for both, why not renew the deal ?

[Bricks]

Well, I hope TLC make us proud, with an special, somethink like this:

-Remadeset: FanChoise

-Tantive IV, Playset

-Promotional (~1000): The Emperor Guard (Emperor and 2 red Guards->in chrome)

-Padme's silver ship from the beginning of Epsiode 2

-The Doom of Rancor: Playset, based on Episode 6

-AT-OT (with an Aayla minifigure)

-City of the Gungans, playset

-the Ewok village, playset

It would be so great if TLC make some of these beauties

Greetings 'Bricks'