LOTR & The Hobbit 2012

[TheLegoDr]

Like I said before, I think Creator-style sets would be a poor choice for a Lord of the Rings theme. Kids won't care about a Helm's Deep model if they can't role-play with it. That makes something minifig-scale a necessity. Heck, even look at some of the AFOLs here: some of what they're most excited about are minifigs of LotR characters. I do think the best chance LEGO has of making sets to be bought multiple times is through battle packs; I can see a battle pack of Orcs, with one Uruk-hai included, selling like hotcakes.

I agree with this completely. I don't imagine people buying huge expensive sets multiple times to build something "life-like" for their minifigures. A few people might, but the vast majority would not because they want to spend their money on other licensed sets or other sets in the same line. I can picture battle packs selling well for the sole purpose of the army builders since there are so many armies in LOTR. Various city armies, orcs, elves, dwarves would/could easily sell much better than some giant set multiple times. People love the collectible minifigures and people would love to see the characters from LOTR in lego form. I am one of those people. I don't like LOTR enough to spend tons of money on sets multiple times, but to see the people in minifigure form would make me want to buy the sets and/or battle packs more freely.

The same goes for the new superhero theme. People keep talking about how the minifigures look and how they want this one and that one, but I haven't seen that much interest in the actual set other than getting the figures.

[Elander]

The same goes for the new superhero theme. People keep talking about how the minifigures look and how they want this one and that one, but I haven't seen that much interest in the actual set other than getting the figures.

That is a bit sadly that the main focus just about the minifigures is. I can't see TLG's objectives. Are sets like Diagon Alley or the exclusive Flagship no bestsellers? Why had TLG developed an Black Pearl without beauty details?

I've no idea.

Edited November 14, 2011 by Elander

[Lyichir]

I agree with this completely. I don't imagine people buying huge expensive sets multiple times to build something "life-like" for their minifigures. A few people might, but the vast majority would not because they want to spend their money on other licensed sets or other sets in the same line. I can picture battle packs selling well for the sole purpose of the army builders since there are so many armies in LOTR. Various city armies, orcs, elves, dwarves would/could easily sell much better than some giant set multiple times. People love the collectible minifigures and people would love to see the characters from LOTR in lego form. I am one of those people. I don't like LOTR enough to spend tons of money on sets multiple times, but to see the people in minifigure form would make me want to buy the sets and/or battle packs more freely.

The same goes for the new superhero theme. People keep talking about how the minifigures look and how they want this one and that one, but I haven't seen that much interest in the actual set other than getting the figures.

To be fair, part of the reason few have discussed the superheroes sets is because good pictures of them have been so elusive.

That is a bit sadly that the main focus just about the minifigures is. I can't see TLG's objectives. Are sets like Diagon Alley or the exclusive Flagship no bestsellers? Why had TLG developed an Black Pearl without beauty details?

I've no idea.

I imagine Diagon Alley sold well, but to release a set like that the theme will have had to have proven that it can move product. Harry Potter had had a full year behind it (post-revival) before LEGO chose to release Diagon Alley. And to be honest, I can't think of an equivalent to Diagon Alley in Lord of the Rings; note that while the Diagon Alley set does not feature many key dramatic scenes, it has a great deal of personality. Something like Helm's Deep would be too popular a scene to be released as a D2C set (seeing as those scenes would probably make it fly off store shelves), whereas something like the Shire might be too dull (honestly, how many hobbit holes does one need in a set?).

[Elander]

I agree. If LotR is coming next year, it will definitely be after the January-April timeframe, because we've already seen the catalog leaks of that stuff.

Yepp, I think at the Nürnberg or New York Toy Fair in February 2012 we will see the first confirmed pictures.

Lego has a vested interest in keeping this quiet until after the holidays, so as not to hurt sales of Kingdoms sets or anything else in general. That's in addition to their usual (attempted) secrecy.

.......

Yes, I agree. Before Christmas to bring out very comfirmed infos concerning the Hobbit/LotR theme were for Kingdoms really no good business...

--------------------

I imagine Diagon Alley sold well, but to release a set like that the theme will have had to have proven that it can move product. Harry Potter had had a full year behind it (post-revival) before LEGO chose to release Diagon Alley. And to be honest, I can't think of an equivalent to Diagon Alley in Lord of the Rings; note that while the Diagon Alley set does not feature many key dramatic scenes, it has a great deal of personality.

Hi,

I think, I could for example see that LEGO develops a Diagon Alley-like set with Rivendell (alike procedure for 2x or 3x houses):

-a larger house with gate and bridge (in second floor is Frodos/Bilbos room)

-a medium sized house for Elrond's library and statue with Narsil

-gangway and small tower between the houses

-a small summerhouse for Arwen and Aragorn

-and a space for Elrond's council

I think with some new elvish molded elements (bricks) and nice trees could that set sell very well. A LEGO Rivendell set could also to represent a great personality like the Diagon Alley. If TLG for Hobbit/LotR to make an effort -than will much more people to start collecting LEGO. Good styled minifigures are a little reason to buy some LEGO sets. But I think the main reason are the buildings self. And The both stories (Hobbit/LotR) are complete full with interesting locations (buildings) for LEGO sets.

Something like Helm's Deep would be too popular a scene to be released as a D2C set (seeing as those scenes would probably make it fly off store shelves),

Here I must ever think about LEGO Star Wars . -Endor and Hoth are good examples. LEGO has released for both locations a lot of sets. For Helm's Deep could LEGO also develops a lot of sets. The Hornburg could be under attack with additional LEGO sets for the different battle scenes. For example the battle scene before the gate were the Uruk's trying with the aid of an battering ram to storm the fortress, or a LEGO "clamping mechanism sling shot" (I don't know the name ) for the large ladders were the Uruk's trying to climb the large wall, or a nice LEGO exploding wall set were your minifigures learn to fly across your room... and at least additional a battle pack for our Uruk's with a normal ladder and Rohirrim which riding horses.

I think this collection would also good sell like the Hoth or Endor sets.

whereas something like the Shire might be too dull (honestly, how many hobbit holes does one need in a set?).

@ The Legonater has found a good comparison:

Actually, I could see that being included in a Medieval Village-like set with the Shire.

If this Medieval Village set sell well -than will a Shire set also sell well (so my thought ).

With some well designed buildings like the hobbit tavern "The Green Dragon" and some other buildings could this LEGO set good work. And this set (I think) would additional also have a very good personality.

And to be honest. Who would not like the Shire in LEGO form?

[Lyichir]

I think, I could for example see that LEGO develops a Diagon Alley-like set with Rivendell (alike procedure for 2x or 3x houses):

-a larger house with gate and bridge (in second floor is Frodos/Bilbos room)

-a medium sized house for Elrond's library and statue with Narsil

-gangway and small tower between the houses

-a small summerhouse for Arwen and Aragorn

-and a space for Elrond's council

I think with some new elvish molded elements (bricks) and nice trees could that set sell very well. A LEGO Rivendell set could also to represent a great personality like the Diagon Alley. If TLG for Hobbit/LotR to make an effort -than will much more people to start collecting LEGO. Good styled minifigures are a little reason to buy some LEGO sets. But I think the main reason are the buildings self. And The both stories (Hobbit/LotR) are complete full with interesting locations (buildings) for LEGO sets.

I suppose Rivendell could work for such a set.

Here I must ever think about LEGO Star Wars . -Endor and Hoth are good examples. LEGO has released for both locations a lot of sets. For Helm's Deep could LEGO also develops a lot of sets. The Hornburg could be under attack with additional LEGO sets for the different battle scenes. For example the battle scene before the gate were the Uruk's trying with the aid of an battering ram to storm the fortress, or a LEGO "clamping mechanism sling shot" (I don't know the name ) for the large ladders were the Uruk's trying to climb the large wall, or a nice LEGO exploding wall set were your minifigures learn to fly across your room... and at least additional a battle pack for our Uruk's with a normal ladder and Rohirrim which riding horses.

I think this collection would also good sell like the Hoth or Endor sets.

Another good possibility. Note that neither the Hoth and Endor sets were D2C sets like Diagon Alley, rather, I believe they were retailer exclusives.

@ The Legonater has found a good comparison:

If this Medieval Village set sell well -than will a Shire set also sell well (so my thought ).

With some well designed buildings like the hobbit tavern "The Green Dragon" and some other buildings could this LEGO set good work. And this set (I think) would additional also have a very good personality.

And to be honest. Who would not like the Shire in LEGO form?

Honestly? I wouldn't, at least not as a set like that. Bilbo's house is the only memorable location in Hobbiton, and just a set of that alone could be bought in multiples and modified to add other hobbit holes to the mix. I doubt a MMV-style Shire set would be nearly as successful as the MMV itself was, seeing as the Shire is a great deal more specialized as a fantasy community and thus might not draw the attention of Historic Theme builders as much.

[giggitygoo]

I absolutely cannot wait for images!!!

[Mr Man]

Without me having to trail back through the whole thread, is there anything to back this up at all?

[SoupOrFishOil]

Without me having to trail back through the whole thread, is there anything to back this up at all?

Nope

[Belchher]

I must admit I'm a fair way from believing a LOTR license is forthcoming. That being said, it occurred to me today that pirates, castle, and space are all missing from the currently revealed 2012 lineup. Surely they wont just leave us with City and the new Dino theme as the only non licensed, non technic themes?

[kibosh]

I thought it was interesting last night at parent teacher conferences, my son's teacher said The Hobbit was the number one most popular book amongst males in college, high school, and middle school. We told her that our son used to love to read, but just recently has started having a harder time with it. He's in 4th grade. She offered no proof of her statement, nor did I ask for any, but I found that to be interesting.

[Andonii]

I'm a big Lord of the rings fan and I really hope they do make it. I have my doubts since it's this far through the year and we have no evidence.

Edited November 19, 2011 by Andonii

[Darth Nihilus]

This has been a rumour every year since 2005-esque or so, and it hasn't happened yet. Sorry to burst the bubble of all the people wanting this (me included), but I just don't see it happening. We already have rumours of sets that would coincide with the release of this theme (Summer SW, TDKR Super Heroes, etc.), so I think we would at least have rumours if this was true. I'll wait about 2 more weeks, but if nothing has shown up by then, I doubt this will happen in 2012, if ever.

[Mirandir]

I must admit I'm a fair way from believing a LOTR license is forthcoming. That being said, it occurred to me today that pirates, castle, and space are all missing from the currently revealed 2012 lineup. Surely they wont just leave us with City and the new Dino theme as the only non licensed, non technic themes?

You're forgetting Friends and NinjaGo both of which will get big releases (more than 20 sets each!) next year. There's also another action theme in summer/fall.

So even if there isn't that many non-licensed themes we'll get a substantial amount of non-licensed sets

[Darth Nihilus]

There's also another action theme in summer/fall.

My emotions upon reading this, in order:

[sharky]

I must admit I'm a fair way from believing a LOTR license is forthcoming. That being said, it occurred to me today that pirates, castle, and space are all missing from the currently revealed 2012 lineup. Surely they wont just leave us with City and the new Dino theme as the only non licensed, non technic themes?

It is interesting to note that PotC has filled the pirates theme for the most part, and I would say that Star Wars has taken over the sci-fi/space genre. Of course you have the City space sub-theme. So, maybe a LotR theme will be offered to take the place of Kingdoms in the future.

And, as it's been mentioned, you have Ninjago, Friends, and a yet to be determined action theme. Also, we have Creator sets that are mini-fig compatible.

[CMP]

It is interesting to note that PotC has filled the pirates theme for the most part, and I would say that Star Wars has taken over the sci-fi/space genre. Of course you have the City space sub-theme. So, maybe a LotR theme will be offered to take the place of Kingdoms in the future.

Uh, PotC is over, the space sub-theme is over, and space and Star Wars has coexisted well since Mars Mission. I don't think this'll replace Kingdoms, nor do I think it's going to happen anyway, so something new in Castle will either wait, or come up soon.

[1980-Something-Space-Guy]

I'm currently agnostic regarding this theme .

[Belchher]

You're forgetting Friends and NinjaGo both of which will get big releases (more than 20 sets each!) next year. There's also another action theme in summer/fall.

So even if there isn't that many non-licensed themes we'll get a substantial amount of non-licensed sets

You're right, I did forget those two, although having two boys who accuse anything with even a hint of pink or purple as being "FOR GIRLS" despite my best efforts to prevent that sort of attitude, I think its fair enough that I forgot about Friends

Still, I'm guessing this action theme you mention is the one you've hinted at a couple of times already, and is a new one. I have to admit I'm kind of over buying sets from new themes as more often than not these days they seem to last only a single wave, two at most, which personally I find kind of annoying. Ah well.

As for the whole LOTR license, as said before I'm just not convinced, even though TLG could just use the orc and troll molds from the fantasy theme, along with the obligatory licensed theme fleshies for the "heroes", I don't think there's enough suitable material for a sustained output. In both LOTR and The Hobbit events of note tend to occur in huge, extravagant locations, with everything else happening in vast tracts of wilderness. The number of smallish locations of note, I suspect, are simply not enough to make it viable. I don't know, maybe I'm just being overly pessimistic, or its my natural tendency to play devils advocate coming through

[BTappel]

Call me gullible, but it seems like every time there is a "rumor" like this it ends up being true. Last year the castle "rumor" was of a wind mill with new animals. Obviously that was true, so I am leaning towards LOTR being true as well.

[narbilu]

As for the whole LOTR license, as said before I'm just not convinced, even though TLG could just use the orc and troll molds from the fantasy theme, along with the obligatory licensed theme fleshies for the "heroes", I don't think there's enough suitable material for a sustained output. In both LOTR and The Hobbit events of note tend to occur in huge, extravagant locations, with everything else happening in vast tracts of wilderness. The number of smallish locations of note, I suspect, are simply not enough to make it viable. I don't know, maybe I'm just being overly pessimistic, or its my natural tendency to play devils advocate coming through

I don't agree with the fact that TLC won't be able to make story line sets of bigger themes. Look for instance at the "captains cabin" of the PotC set or "the Forbidden Forest" set of HP. TLC is very capable of making smaller sets of big scenes. I guess, as the SW sets, TLC can make this a ever lasting success with one or two waves a year for a complete decade (we hope)

[BTappel]

I agree making smaller sets for LOTR would not be a problem. Maybe this does not mean anything, but the LEGO website is sold out of every kingdoms set released in 2010. With the holidays just around the corner, seems like terrible timing. Could mean they are making room for something else... just a thought.

[Mirandir]

I agree making smaller sets for LOTR would not be a problem. Maybe this does not mean anything, but the LEGO website is sold out of every kingdoms set released in 2010. With the holidays just around the corner, seems like terrible timing. Could mean they are making room for something else... just a thought.

Yeah I've got a feeling that Kingdoms will be off the shelves sometime soon...

[TheDarkBrick]

Since HP is going to be discontinued soon, LOTR will probably replace it

Plus, they are converting the LOTR to 3D, which is a good sign...

[Innos]

Hi there,

I've been following this topic since nearly beginning, and what amuses me about this discussion that lasts probably already for years , is that most pesimists use the same reasons against LOTR theme repeatedly - all that about lack of vehicles, too much of epicness, too much location-oriented movies, lack of interest of kids in it etc. I think you are all shoul change the point of view of an AFOL to the point of view of average Lego customer - both parent and kid. Official sets are far different from MOCs of all of us, average buyer doesn't consider sets with those criteria, like the appriopriate scale of buildings or number of vehicles - for every example of successfull vehicle set you can find another successfull one that has equally high playability wihtout any vehicles, both in current sets and the old ones, even those from the 90's.

So when we try to guess, whether we'll get the LOTR theme or not, let's not forget, how do all the other licensed sets look like - if we think of all the simplifications and symbolic constructions of PotC, Indiana Jones, Prince of Persia, Harry Potter or SW objecs (doesn't matter what - locations, landscapes, buildings, vehicles etc.), we can see, that LOTR is no other - we could make ANY of the LOTR or Hobbit scenes (from the main plots or any additional stories, including other Tolkien books), of course it wouldn't be any close to minifig scale of original buildings, but it doesn't have to be, it's a childs toy after all. Most of the SW ships are no close to the original scale, and it's still most successfull theme in history - it doesn't matter, that UCS Death Star with minifigs is quite comic with the scenes from different movies next to each other and without any scaling at all, or that it had to take more than 5k pieces to make a proper-scale Millennium Falcon, and there are 3 other minifig versions, that are no close to this scale. In LOTR it's the same - some locations are impossible to make it in minifig scale, let's take Orthanc and Isengard for example - there have already been presented some huge, epic MOCs, but however big they were, they were still not 10m high or so, which would make a minifig-scale proper height of this tower. But does it matter? Not at all, of course, and even a comic height of, let's say, 2-storey minifig tower with balcony and characteristic top would make great Orthanc in official set, and most likely with minifigures and accessories as beautiful as in Pirates of the Caribbean. Lego doesn't pay their designers for nothing, it they need to, the will be able to make any scene, considering what's important for kids in it's story, where should be the playability, and with all the restrictions they have (in size, number of new molds, colours, permitted building techniqes etc.).

So, all in all, LOTR and Hobbit Theme isn't impossible, most of us, optimists, only give here our wishful thinking. while all the pesimists try to find any reason to say there will be no LOTR in Lego. And reasonably thinking the judgment of this matter is simple: Lego will decide what is probably best for them, in the terms of business and possible profitability, and even if it is hard to realise, it doens't mean they can't maka a profit of it. And with two Hobbit movies + renewing LOTR in 3D and all the hype they will have, they're going to be the biggest blockbusters of next two years, so it's hard to believe, that a market leader like Lego couldn't make huge profit of it. I personally believe it could beat Star Wars sales, they had their decade of s-f domination, now fantasy is coming back in books and films after all those poor years since the end of Tolkien Trillogy in cinemas, so why not in Lego.

[Omicron]

Scaling is overrated for Lego. If they can make a Death Star and Star Destroyer sets with figs inside, they can make something from LoTR. Helms Deep is possible. :P

-Omi