Indiana Jones theme discussion & speculations

[Zzz]

...opening with one of the first pictures we got one and a half years ago of our favorite Archeologist. Since then it became one of our most favorite licenced themes and perhaps one of our favorite themes overall. We praised the minifigs, the vehicles and parts, we even got a video game - and there are still things to come, as the toy fair pictures showed us the lovely sets of mid 2009 already..

2 wonderful years, but how does it continue? You all have to agree, that most of the possible sets have been made from TLC, there are not too many possibilities left. And the hype made by the new movie is over, since the DVD is already out. The annual report stated that Indy was a strong line, but how could it continue? Like Star Wars? Releasing old sets with little changes, introducing UCS models and Mini sets, doing remakes of the little older ones?

What do you girls and guys here think? Post your opinions about the future of Indy, but not your wishes like "I want a Sallah minifig" what you can do here , and not just comments on the 2009 line what you could do here.

In my opinion the line will end next year, since there are no new movies (unlike Harry Potter once), nor is it on TV (like Spongebob, Clone Wars), nor will TLC go for remakes, minis or UCS, nor are there too many sets that could be made. Here is a small list of the opportunities of the first 3 movies, collected in the "ideas for future Indy sets topics" with already released sets.

Raiders: Panama temple, Flying boat, Himalaya, Kairo, Map Room, Ark Room, Flying Wing, Truck Chase, Freighter and Submarine, Opening of the Ark

Temple: Club Obi Wan, Shanghai Chase, Ford plane, Indian village, Elephant track, Temple of Doom, bridge scene

Crusade: Circus Train, Venice library and tomb, boat chase, Castle Brunwald, Motorcycle chase, Zeppelin, Air chase, tank chase, temple of the grail

Please share your opinion!

[prateek]

Yeah, I agree with you, there isnt much left to make, maybe club obi wan but nothing else. The line probably will end next year.

[Svelte]

I never thought that the Indy theme would have the longevity of Star Wars. I never saw kids getting that into a series of movies, the first three of which were made years before they were born. Once the main locations and vehicles are exhausted, what's left? A third and final year seems most likely, unless sales are poor. Star Wars also has incredible diversity in vehicles, characters and locations, whereas Indy is sort of limited to a certain era.

On the flipside... the Clone Wars TV series gave Star Wars a much-needed shot in the arm, and it is possible that a new Indy TV series could do the same (if such a thing were ever to be made). To be honest though, Star Wars seems the exceptional licence rather than the rule, in that its popularity seems steady rather than seeming to wane over time.

Looking at the 09 sets, it seems that TLG has abandoned buildings (such as temples or ruins) in favour of more action, chase-based sets (Shanghai Chase, Venice, Temple of Doom, the plane set), so I don't think many of the ideas suggested around locations will happen (much as I'd personally love to see them).

I would also rather the line go out on a high than drag on as mini sets or remakes a la this year's Spongebob sets.

[Bricks]

I think TLC thought to make a new line based on Adventurers.

They maybe get wind of the information, that Lucasarts planning to make a new Indiana Jones movie.

So they decided to make their new line within the Licensed theme. Maybe they tought that Indiana Jones could be a new alternative for the expire Star Wars line.

And besides the new movie could create a new fan era. But today they have still problems with the old movies. They are all approved (except ''The last Crusade'') over 16 years.

And I think this is still a little problem today.

So the only thing I want to say is that TLC will keep this line alive. Im sure, because it could be a bestseller if the Star Wars lines time is up and besides we will maybe get soon a fith movie.

We will see what the future brings, hopefully more great sets!

'Bricks'

Edited March 7, 2009 by Bricks

[ED-209]

I still think that there's a few more good possibilities for sets, but then that didn't seem to keep the Batman line afloat, did it? I mean ideas like the Last Crusade tank fight and Ravenwood's bar from Raiders spring to mind. But no, disappointingly I fear that the line will run out of steam shortly.

[Derek]

I definitely think that the line can at least go on for another year or two. There are still many sets that could be made, including some iconic scenes. These include the Tank scene in TLC, the Zepplin from TLC, Club Obi-wan from TOD, some sort of India set from TOD (could include elephants), Ravenwood bar from ROTLA, and the sub and boat from ROTLA, the Ark opening in ROTLA, the list could go on...

[RoflWafls]

I have a feeling Lego will mayby make ONE set based off the new video game, Indiana Jones and The Staff Of Kings. Kinda like what they did with the Star Wars: Force Unleased ship...... But yeah, the line will probaly end soon

[Oky]

I too have a feeling it's over soon. There aren't many kid-friendly sets TLC can get out of this line anymore IMHO. But we'll see.

Edited March 16, 2009 by Oky Wan Kenobi

[Zorro]

Maybe they make a new set for the videogame but they cannot continue this series forever without a new movie I'm afraid.

[Bricks]

Maybe they make a new set for the videogame but they cannot continue this series forever without a new movie I'm afraid.

But the ''Lucasarts-Group'' will make a new movie. They said it often in interviews.

So I think TLC keep the series alive till the fith movied arrive and they will get new ideas...

'Bricks'

Edited March 16, 2009 by Bricks

[Dollar Bill]

But the ''Lucasarts-Group'' will make a new movie. They said it often in interviews.

So I think TLC keep the series alive till the fith movied arrive and they will get new ideas...

'Bricks'

They said that they might be possibly working on one. Nothing is set in stone for an Indy 5, not by a long shot.

Anyways, I think the Indiana Jones line's last year is next year.

Their final sets, I think, will be the Zeppelin, Ravenwood Bar, Tank Chase, and Map Scene and/or Submarine (although it didn't have much of an appearance.) The reason I think they won't include the 'Club Obi-Wan' scene is because they've already done a set that includes the opening scene to ToD. They still may do it, but that's my opinion on why they won't.

It's a shame that we all think it's ending so soon - it was a great theme.

[soc399]

I sure hope it doesn't end soon, but I bet it will depend on sales. If IJ has a weak year this year (not likely) or next year, then they will probably kill it just like they did with Exoforce. The terms of the license may also affect what happens to the line, but I don't know anything about those.

[Sandy]

I don't believe they will continue Indiana Jones after this year. It's just not contemporary enough anymore.

But don't worry, there will be more licenses in the future, that's for sure. What they are, though, only time will tell. I'm thinking they might invest on the Disney-products...

[Bricks]

I don't believe they will continue Indiana Jones after this year. It's just not contemporary enough anymore.

But don't worry, there will be more licenses in the future, that's for sure. What they are, though, only time will tell. I'm thinking they might invest on the Disney-products...

I don't think TLC will decant the 'Indiana Jones' theme next year...

Because, they decanted in the last two years some important License themes, like 'Batman' and 'Harry Potter'.

And primary TLC said that the 'Indiana Jones' theme is one of the best selled themes!

'Bricks'

Edited March 16, 2009 by Bricks

[The Who]

It's a shame that we all think it's ending so soon - it was a great theme.

It's not over yet, and there are still sets to be released later this year!

No, I don't think they will stop the line any time soon either. They have already stated before that the Indy line was doing pretty good, so it just wouldn't make sense to stop the line.

[Svelte]

And primary TLC said that the 'Indiana Jones' theme is one of the best selled themes!

Yes, but they always say that. It's called 'PR'.

Retailers aren't interested in dying themes and it's in Lego's interests to push everything as positive. Most of the time we don't even know themes are dead until after the fact - just look at Exo-Force or Batman (Harry Potter was probably the exception in that everyone suspected the axe was falling).

The 2007 AquaRaiders was also mentioned as being a good seller and it went nowhere after the first wave.

I'm not saying Indy falls in this category, just beware the 'Every theme is a bestseller!' hype

[Batbrick]

svelte-corps, that is such a cool avvie!

Anyway, I'm of the opinion that it'll continue, atleast for one more wave. I don't know, I just don't have that sinking feeling for it that I had for Batman....

Plus, we NEED that Tank Battle. NEED.

Batbrick Away!

[Ratshot]

I personally think the series will go for about another 2 years. There's not a whole lot of ideas left in the series

[Batbrick]

I personally think the series will go for about another 2 years. There's not a whole lot of ideas left in the series

Those who lack idea lack imagination! Just remember, Star wars has been going for ages and that is really based off 6 movies and an animated series. A little EU yes, but not much. Now I think Indy with 4 movies and the Young Indy chronicles under his belt can manage atleast a few more!

Batbirck Away!

[prof1515]

I always assumed 3-4 years with 5-8 sets per year.

Possible Raiders sets:

Brawl in Nepal, set in Marion's and featuring Indy, Marion, Toht, and a Nepalese henchman or two.

Map Room, with Indy and Sallah and "a miniature of the city laid out on the floor". They'd probably just use a red gem for the Headpiece to the Staff of Ra though.

Opening of the Ark, with Indy, Marion, Belloq, Dietrich, Toht, a pair of German soldiers, and a ghost from the ark (white cloaked and hooded skeleton with a double-printed head).

Possible Temple sets:

Air Freight Escape, featuring Indy, Willie and Short Round to go with the plane and life raft.

Journey to Pankhot, featuring Indy, Willie and Short Round along with their elephants. Unlikely we'd get a guide.

Battle at the Bridge, featuring three heroes as well as Mola Ram and a pair of Thuggees. Might use the base that was created for the Adventurers Jungle theme.

Possible Last Crusade sets:

Circus Train, with a young Indy and a couple of the henchmen of Panama Hat. I think it's probably asking too much to hope for both a lion and a rhino but who knows.

Catacombs, with Indy, Elsa, and three or four rats plus the knight's tomb. Might even get a new mold for the sarcophagus top.

Castle Fire, with Indy and Henry and the revolving fireplace.

Tank Chase, with Indy, Henry, Marcus, Vogel and a Hatayan driver (though they'd probably just give us a German). Indy might be mounted and its entirely possible Henry and Marcus wouldn't be included. A real bonus would be Sallah on horseback.

Temple of the Grail, designed much like the temple set from Raiders it would feature the three challenges. Possible figures would be Indy, the Knight, Donovan, Elsa, Sallah, Brody, and Henry (though the last three might be expecting too much).

Possible Crystal Skull sets:

Government Warehouse, with Indy, Mac, Spalko, and a Russian soldier. Truck and a jeep possibly to recreate the scene.

Campus Chase, with Indy and Mutt on the motorcycle chased by the Soviets' car. Indy, Mutt, and 2 KGB.

Possible mini-figures we have yet to see:

Indy, in his Arab garb

Indy, disguised as a German

Indy, new Crusade torso with his leather jacket and tie ensemble seen in the film

Marion, in her bar outfit

Marion, in the dress she got from Katanga

Belloq, in his white suit

Belloq, in his white suit sans the jacket

Belloq, in his ceremonial garb

Marcus Brody, in Venice suit

Marcus Brody, in desert suit

Dietrich

Toht

Sallah, from Raiders

Sallah, from Crusade

Major Blumbertt

Chattar Lal

Maharajah

Fedora

Panama Hat

Elsa, desert expedition outfit

Grail Knight

Vogel

Donovan, desert expedition outfit

Harold Oxley

Mac

So, still plenty of potential left in the line.

Edited March 18, 2009 by prof1515

[prateek]

It's a shame that we all think it's ending so soon - it was a great theme.

Don't you mean it IS a great theme?

[legoindy01]

Honestly I think the line will last 2 to 3 more years . There are a lot of ideas for future sets that could be made. However the future of the line is very dependant on the consumers and how well it will sell. If it only sold well in 2008 because of Cystal Skull (highly doubt) then it may not last to much longer

Set Ideas

Raiders

Marions Bar (brawl in nepal)- with Indy, Marion, Toht, and 2 Sherpa henchmen. Includes fireplace, moveable table, staff of ra headpiece, and long bar with stools and wine bottles. $20-$40

Map Room(Treasure Discovery)- With Indy(map room), and Sallah w/ rope. Set probably won't include interior dome. Includes Staff of Ra, layout of Tanis, and a place in the floor where you can stick the staff into. $10-$20

Staff Car- with Belloq(white suit), Toht, Diethrich, and Driver. The black car from the car chase. Includes luggage for back, and a new car seat interior piece would need to be made. $10-$15

Bantu Wind and Submarine(Escape from Cairo)- with Belloq(White Shirt), Toht, Dietrich, submarine captain, soldier, Marion, Indy, Cpt. Katanga, and pirate sailors. Includes Huge cargo ship with 2 rooms (ark holding, and Indys/marions room) and captains cabin, Submarine would include flickfire of spring cannon, and small room inside for figures.

$90-$100 (like city harbor)

Opening of the Ark- with Indy(disguise), Marion, Belloq(ceremony), Toht, Dietrich, 1 Soldier, and double faced ark ghost . Includes platform with a pole, and a place for the ark. When you open the ark the gohst pops out. posably made insto 2 different sets each at $10. All together in one set $20-$30

Temple of Doom

Club Obi Wan (Shanghai Showdown)- with Indy(tux), Willie, Lao Che, Kao Kan, Chen, Wu Han, and 2 patrons. Includes Gong that can fall and roll on the floor until it hits a large breakaway window (like in the lost tomb), Also included are 2 or 3 tables with lazy susans on each one, a huge dragon head for the stage, the bandstand with instruments, and a net with balloons inside that can fall open to drop the balloons, and an awning outside the window. $70- $100

Ford Trimotor(Airplane Escape)- with Indy, Willie(jacket), Short Round, and 2 pilots with parchutes. Includes chickens, crates, and an inflatable raft to escape on. $30-$50

Indian Village- with priest, 2 villagers, and indy. Includes shankara stone alter, and small building. $10

Journey to Pankot palace- with Indy, Willie(jacket), Short Round, and guide. 2 large elephants and 1 baby elephant, and a camp fire. Includes To carddeck print platforms, tree, snake, bat, owl, rat, and a small kali statue. $40-$50

Pankot Palace- with maharaja, Indy, Willie, Short Round, Chatter Lal, thuggee assasn, Cpt. Blumbert, and indian guest. Like a harry potter castle with 2 bedrroms, a dinner hall and table, and outside entrance. Includes trap door inwillies room, which is a statue that you push to enter a small room with bugs, and a painting on the wall, monkey brains, snake suprise and other meals, Large doors and a trap door in indys room for thuggee to enter in, plus paintings on the walls in all rooms, elegant decor and furnishings, beds and chairs. $70-$100

Bug hall and spike trap- with Indy, Willie, Short Round, and Skeleton. A small hall with bugs and secret spike room. Includes Lots of bugs, tap door with skeleton inside, spike trap room with lowering cieling with piske on it, and skulls every where $20-$30

Inside the mines- With 2 slave children, slave master, Indy, Willie, maharaja, and Short Round. Includes Rock crusher, convier belt, rock walls surounding, barrels, huge water barrel that can tip over, lifting buckets for Short Round to climb and fight the maharaja to save Indy, torches on the walls, and some mine track with a cart. $40-$60

Battle on the Bridge- with Indy, Mola Ram, 2 Thugees, Short Round, and Willie. Includes huge bridge that can fall in half, 2 rockfaces on each side and a blue water platform with 1 alagator.

Last Crusade

Young Indy- With young indy, Fedora, 2 looters, Panama hat, and car driver. Include 1 car, a huge train with Rc engine& coal car, Reptile car, Flatbed car, Rhino car, Lion car, and magic caboose, Inside each car are trapa and animals, also included is a horse for young indy to chase the looters, plus the cross of coronado. $100-$120

Catacombs of venice- With Elsa, Indy(suit),Knight skeleton, Kazim, and Guard of the Crusiform Sword. Includes rats, blue platforms for water, sarcophagus with shield on tope and skeleton knight inside, a breakaway wall to get into the tomb, and an opening on the top to enter the tomb. Can conect to Venice chase set. $20-$40

Escape from Brunwald Castle- With, Indy, Elsa, Vogel, Butler, Henry Jones, and 2 grey Soldiers. Like a harry potter castle.

Includes many rooms, entrance, 2 holding rooms, room with spinning fire place, radio room behind fire place, trap staircase, storage room on bottom level with boat. $90-$100

Zepplin Escape- with Indy, Henry Jones, Vogel, Waiter, 2 Passengers, and 2 pilots. Huge zepplin with 2 levels one with tables and windows, and storage area on the bottom level, and a pilot house on the botom of the zepplin, includes pieces to hook on bi-plane from airplane escape on the bottom. $70-$80

Tank Chase- With Indy, Henry Jones, Vogel, Elsa, Sallah, Donavan, Marcus Brody, and Tank driver. Includes to horses, a car, and huge tank, with interior and flick fire cannons.$50-$60

Temple of the Grail(quest for the Holy Grail)- with, Indy, Henry Jones, Sallah, marcus brody, donavan, Elsa, Grail knight, and soldier. Includes 3 tasks to get to the grail, Spinning saw blades, tiles with letters on them, and a bridge with clear bricks to get across, the final challenge, in a room with a bunch of false grails, and only 1 real one. $60-$90

Crystal Skull

The Lost Warehouse- with Mac, Indy, Spalko, dovchenko, and 2 soldiers. Includes to cars a jeep and a large truck, a lot of huge crates (like in city harbor but brown), huge sliding double doors, and wooden planks over to top of the warehouse.

$50

Ride on the Rocket Sled- with Indy, and dovchenko. Includes large rocket sled with track and prairie dogs. On side is in the ware house with controls and and levers. $30

Doom Town- with Indy, 4 manikins, and 1 soldier. Includes 1 50's car and 1 russian jeep, also includes 1 house with fridge, Plus a tower with dropping neuclear bomb. The house can somehow fall apart. $50

Campus Chase- With Mutt, Indy(suit), greaser, 3 Colledge students,and 2 kgb. Includes Arnies diner, with tables and bar, setup like corner store, small 50's diner. University, with classroom and library with lots of books and a chalkboard.

Mutt's motor cycle and a 50's car are also includes, plus a statue with falling head. $60-$70

Jungle Chase- With Indy, Oxley, marion, Mutt, mac, and Spalko. Includes to duck boats and 1 jeep, swords, trees, monkeys, and ants are also included. $50

[legoindy01]

the line will last as long as the people will buy the sets. If lego continues making great figures and vehicles then it will continue to sell and the line will last longer. if lego gets lazy and only makes a few good sets and poorly built vehicles then the line will have an early death

snakes why'd it have to be snakes?

Edited March 21, 2009 by legoindy01

[Zzz]

guys, we didn't want to make this into another topic for set ideas! (Also you didn't amost add anything to the list I did in the first post...) There are already 2 idea topics for Indy, there is one especially for Young Indy and one for UCS, what is a bit too much I think.

So what do you people think about the line? Will it stay for 10 years with endless remakes and all possibilities done, like Star Wars? What if there are 8 other strong sets next year? What afterwards?

thanks, zzz out!

[Batbrick]

I personally wouldn't mind remakes as long as they added things and pieces the original didn't have, like different minifigs and parts of the scene. For instance, another race for the stolen treasure but with the black Nazi car and jeep this time.

Batbrick Away!