LEGO LotR - general discussion

[atreyu2112]

Smaug's body and wing molds could be re-used for a Fell Beast, since those creatures only have wings and legs when it comes to limb features, just like Smaug.

Damn, you're right... duh - blonde moment. True... especially the scene where WK says "feast on his flesh"... wings are very very similar!

[Trunkbass]

I just want 5 sets:

1. Prologue ... Sauron (brick built like GotG Groot or X-men Sentinel), Elendil & Isildur NO STRUCTURES - $13

2. Treebeard Awakens (ala Shelob Attacks) Treebeard (brick built), Merry, Pippin & Grishnakh NO STRUCTURES - $25

3. The Balrog (brick built ala TMNT 79105 Robot Rampage), battle damaged Gandalf, Moria Orc Archer NO STRUCTURES - $30

4. Witch King Showdown with Witch King of Angmar, Fell Beast, Eowyn in armor, Merry in Armor, small wall or gate of Minas Tirith - $40

5. Osgiliath Over Run (ala Castle 70403 Dragon Mountain) with Faramir, 2x Gondor Soldiers, 3 horses, Gothmog, 2x Orcs, Ringwraith & Fell Beast, Osgiliath Ruins - $75

As much as I like this line up, I don't think it will happen. There is no way LEGO is going to release a LOTR wave without some the main characters. With that I mean Frodo, Aragorn and maybe Gollum (you already got Gandalf). I mean leaving Frodo out is leaving the ring out, which is the whole point of the Lord of the RINGs.

So I think that, however awesome the Sauron prologue set would be, LEGO would replace it with a Mount Doom set (Frodo, Sam, Gollum). You may add Aragorn to the Moria set, although it makes little sense.

Damn, you're right... duh - blonde moment. True... especially the scene where WK says "feast on his flesh"... wings are very very similar!

Wouldn't Smaug be to big to make a Fell Beast out of it? Maybe they kan make the head smaller (but leave the long neck), but still...

[Lynx]

At this point I don't expect the continuation of LotR. Obviously, I'd love to see a balrog and Osgiliath set, similar to what Atreyu posted (your username makes me wish to rewatch the Neverending Story…), but I would be ecstatically happy about a single D2C set: The battle for Minas Tirith. A 2500+ piece set including Faramir (ideally in his ranger gear), Denethor, Eowyn, the Witch-King on fell beast, two Gondor soldiers and I'd be content. I would dream about getting Gondor rangers, Pippin in Gondorian outfit a rider of Rohan, multiple orcs, a troll, etc… and obviously Gandalf would be included. I don't even want to think about the set, since the possibilities are so multifaceted and realisation of none of them likely to occur only painful.

Two years ago, who would have thought the Mouth of Sauron would be immortalised in LEGO while so many more important figures wouldn't? :(

Edited August 17, 2014 by Lynx

[deskp]

kids might be waiting to watch lotr movies uintill hobbit 3 has been seen.

so it would make sense to release another wave after hobbit 3 has been in cinemas. when the kdis have seen the mvoie and will recognize the sets.

In theory anyways. if lego already released their sets when it wasnt wasnt popular the sales could ahve suffered obv.

[Alcarin]

"probably won't be getting very many more"

To me means a few more sets are coming. Like 1 wave. Like 3-5 sets. And as long as they address the key holes we've been bitching and moaning about getting over the last year, I will be a very happy fan. I don't want the LotR line to go one forever. I just want 5 sets:

1. Prologue ... Sauron (brick built like GotG Groot or X-men Sentinel), Elendil & Isildur NO STRUCTURES - $13

2. Treebeard Awakens (ala Shelob Attacks) Treebeard (brick built), Merry, Pippin & Grishnakh NO STRUCTURES - $25

3. The Balrog (brick built ala TMNT 79105 Robot Rampage), battle damaged Gandalf, Moria Orc Archer NO STRUCTURES - $30

4. Witch King Showdown with Witch King of Angmar, Fell Beast, Eowyn in armor, Merry in Armor, small wall or gate of Minas Tirith - $40

5. Osgiliath Over Run (ala Castle 70403 Dragon Mountain) with Faramir, 2x Gondor Soldiers, 3 horses, Gothmog, 2x Orcs, Ringwraith & Fell Beast, Osgiliath Ruins - $75

- - - - -

As for my opinion on the price of the Smaug set ... Get over it!!! LOL. Seen the prices for the 2014 SDCC Lego exclusives? A stand alone mini-figure or mini-rig going for $250+

The cost of EVERYTHING has gone up. Have you bought cheese or meat lately? Gas? Been to the drive thru and it's like $10-15 just for your meal??? Smaug is BIG and has multiple unique molds. I'm pretty sure making him ate up most of the cost of this set. I'm not worried about a $130 set that gives us a badass Smaug - he will surely fetch at least half that alone on the secondary.

I honestly don't see where Hobbit fans can get upset with what has been released OR the Smaug set. Nearly EVERY key scene in the Hobbit films to date has a nice representation in a Lego set. I am MORE than happy to have it all. Sure, they might not be quite perfect, but THE SAME CANNOT BE SAID OF LORD OF THE RINGS.

Just my 2 cents ... not pointing fingers! May we all be blessed with 1 more key Lord of the Rings wave of excellent Lego sets!

One thing I dont understand is such HUGE wish of quite a few people for Treebeared..... I mean with all due respect Treebeard is a fun character of Middle Earth, but while you can make Treebeared with lets say extra 40 parts of existing Ent there are many more things (Like Olifont) that is far harder to recreate

Treebeard is the least fun set of the listed and with worst figs ever imo.... actually half figs (which is what i consider dwarfs, hobbits and children to be

[atreyu2112]

One thing I dont understand is such HUGE wish of quite a few people for Treebeared..... I mean with all due respect Treebeard is a fun character of Middle Earth, but while you can make Treebeared with lets say extra 40 parts of existing Ent there are many more things (Like Olifont) that is far harder to recreate

Treebeard is the least fun set of the listed and with worst figs ever imo.... actually half figs (which is what i consider dwarfs, hobbits and children to be

The reason why, at least for ME is that 1. he IS a very crucial & important character in LotR for me personally. I absolutely LOVE the Ents. And 2. the fact that a generic (Birch) ent was included in the Orthanc set and NOT TB... that just makes absolutely no sense. Hence why everyone simply expected a stand alone Treebeard set.

I wouldn't mind getting an Oliphaunt either ... don't get me wrong.

Lynx ... haha, you should rewatch! Most people mistake my ID for the band and have no idea about that movie.

kids might be waiting to watch lotr movies uintill hobbit 3 has been seen.

so it would make sense to release another wave after hobbit 3 has been in cinemas. when the kdis have seen the mvoie and will recognize the sets

I agree, and hope this may be the case.

Edited July 27, 2014 by atreyu2112

[Alcarin]

The reason why, at least for ME is that 1. he IS a very crucial & important character in LotR for me personally. I absolutely LOVE the Ents. And 2. the fact that a generic (Birch) ent was included in the Orthanc set and NOT TB... that just makes absolutely no sense. Hence why everyone simply expected a stand alone Treebeard set.

I wouldn't mind getting an Oliphaunt either ... don't get me wrong.

Well to be honest, when you leave out Witch king for Mouth of Sauron vs regular Ent for Treebeard thats a good trade off..... its alot harder to make Witch King helmet from official LEGO parts than Treebeared from Ent parts.... so ye

Loads of LEGO decisions regarding sets or figures makes no sense....

You can easily justify that name was NOT Treebeard.... that way you can easier ''pretend'' to army build them.... see what i did there... :P :P :D ;) ;)

[Faefrost]

One thing I dont understand is such HUGE wish of quite a few people for Treebeared..... I mean with all due respect Treebeard is a fun character of Middle Earth, but while you can make Treebeared with lets say extra 40 parts of existing Ent there are many more things (Like Olifont) that is far harder to recreate

Treebeard is the least fun set of the listed and with worst figs ever imo.... actually half figs (which is what i consider dwarfs, hobbits and children to be

Have you seen the wonderful Ice Mammoth Mark Stafford designed for Chima? It probably would not take much to skin it as an Oliphant.

[Diggydoes]

Whoa this thread goes in circles for dozens of pages! I'm also desperate for a last Lotr wave but posting your "dream"sets every 4-5pages doesn't make it real! I'm pretty sure we won't see another D2C Lotr set (Orthanc is still on the shelves) and we all know that TLG made a huge mistake with their 2.wave so what's the meaning of rewriting the same things over and over again when there are no signs of a 3.wave?

[Faefrost]

I'm sure they replied to Petar Ramljak's question. He asked at 6:12 and they replied at 6:49.

Is it likely that they got the official instructions in February?

They probably worked from digital or printed PDF's of the set instructions only. None of the marketing art. Printed stuff like booklets and packaging is normally the last piece to be completed in production (just because it has the greatest chance to change late in the game.)

Whoa this thread goes in circles for dozens of pages! I'm also desperate for a last Lotr wave but posting your "dream"sets every 4-5pages doesn't make it real! I'm pretty sure we won't see another D2C Lotr set (Orthanc is still on the shelves) and we all know that TLG made a huge mistake with their 2.wave so what's the meaning of rewriting the same things over and over again when there are no signs of a 3.wave?

I hate to say it, but I figure there is exactly 0% chance of a big LotR D2C at this point. How much license do you think Lego bought? How much do you think is left? Retail product normally has a 1 year expected shelf life minimally. D2C seems to be typically 2 year. How much time past the end of the last movie do you think they arranged for? Did the addition of the 3rd Hobbit movie and it getting pushed back eat into that license run time? No matter how I think on it the math does not work out to us getting a D2C set or another wave. At best the license flexed to reflect the changes to the last movie. Which probably ends it Dec 14. At worst the license was fixed and it probably ends Summer 15. And they will not give us any new sets inside of a certain window remaining on the license. Remember the license is not for how long they can make the sets. It's for how long they can sell them.

Edited July 27, 2014 by Faefrost

[Robert_88]

I was still in my dark ages until November 2012 but has there ever been a theme that ended* in such a dissapointing way?

*I know there is still hope ;)

[Deathleech]

I honestly don't see where Hobbit fans can get upset with what has been released OR the Smaug set. Nearly EVERY key scene in the Hobbit films to date has a nice representation in a Lego set. I am MORE than happy to have it all. Sure, they might not be quite perfect, but THE SAME CANNOT BE SAID OF LORD OF THE RINGS/

I think Hobbit fans are upset because most of the stuff after wave 1 has been a debacle. Half the sets in wave 2 weren't even based off stuff in the theatrical cut of the film (though probably NOT Lego's fault, it's PJ's for changing the movies around). Dol Guldur Ambush wasn't in the theatrical release and Mirkwood Elf Army won't be in the films at all, extended cut or otherwise. Dol Guldur Battle is literally a gray wall with stairs. The stairs don't lead to multiple levels and there aren't corridors all over like Dol Guldur has in the film. The set doesn't feel like Dol Guldur at ALL imo. As for wave 3 it sounds like we won't be getting an army builder despite fans still desperately wanting armored Elves, Dwarves, and Orcs. Bear form Beorn is still up in the air which is another huge thing fans want. Like Dol Guldur Battle, the Erebor set has a pretty lack luster build. While it's true Lego has done a decent job covering the Hobbit scenes, most the sets are lacking what fans really want or have pretty blah builds.

Smaug's body and wing molds could be re-used for a Fell Beast, since those creatures only have wings and legs when it comes to limb features, just like Smaug.

The only problem with this is he is red, not black, so he would require something permanent like painting to change. Not really something I am interested in when he will probably fetch $50 alone on eBay/Bricklink.

[Risgrynsgrot]

I don't get why people has such a hard-on for a Treebeard set, even less so with such boring figures.

We got a Treebeard in Tower of Orthanc. Sure, you can moan about how he's called Ent, but look at him, he's treebeard.

[thefyfe]

The only problem with this is he is red, not black, so he would require something permanent like painting to change. Not really something I am interested in when he will probably fetch $50 alone on eBay/Bricklink.

Think he meant for Lego - they could reuse the molds but cast in black to make a fell beast - the only new part required would be a head

[General Magma]

Think he meant for Lego - they could reuse the molds but cast in black to make a fell beast - the only new part required would be a head

Yup. Exactly that.

And if LEGO doesn't end up releasing the Fell Beast after all, I'd rather continue making my own brickbuilt version.

The most important missing figure of all right now, though, would have to be the Gondorian soldier.

I'd like to see Éowyn, Faramir and the Witch-king as well, though. Another 4-set wave would bring us all of that.

[Alcarin]

Yup. Exactly that.

And if LEGO doesn't end up releasing the Fell Beast after all, I'd rather continue making my own brickbuilt version.

The most important missing figure of all right now, though, would have to be the Gondorian soldier.

I'd like to see Éowyn, Faramir and the Witch-king as well, though. Another 4-set wave would bring us all of that.

Yeah at this point I would be happy with a Gondorian battle pack Faramir + 2 gondor soldiers with unique helmets and shields and 3 Moria orcs (2 with new helmets and shields)

would be perfect :D

Edited July 28, 2014 by Alcarin

[MKJoshA]

Random question to throw in here. Why in the world does the Lonely Mountain set have a trans-green bladed axe? I don't remember that being in the movie...

[Blakstone]

I know the lines seem to blur between the LotR thread and the Hobbit thread, but specific questions about an item in a Hobbit set belong the other tread..

[Blazej_Holen]

Random question to throw in here. Why in the world does the Lonely Mountain set have a trans-green bladed axe? I don't remember that being in the movie...

Since this depict events form the third movie you are unable to see where Dwalins found it, so do I. So there is no answer to yopur question until december 13th.

[Deathleech]

Yup. Exactly that.

And if LEGO doesn't end up releasing the Fell Beast after all, I'd rather continue making my own brickbuilt version.

Ahh, ok. Smaug's body and wings would definitely work if nothing else. They aren't ideal though considering Smaug's wings have three claws and Fel Beast only have one, as well as Smaug is WAY bigger than a Fel Beast (he is at least triple the size, if not more).

[Trunkbass]

It is time for another official LEGO reply to inquiries about the future of LEGO Middle-Earth:

Thanks for getting in touch with us. It is great to hear that you have re-discovered LEGO® and are so delighted with our Lord of the Rings and Hobbit themes.

Our Product Developers in Denmark invent new LEGO® sets every year. They spend their time trying to find new and fun toys that are better every time. The shelves in toy shops aren’t big enough to hold everything so sometimes we have to stop making a few of the older sets.

As with all of our products, there is also a lot of speculation and rumours on various websites and forums regarding new product launches and product exits. In regards to the specific Lord of the Rings and Hobbit themes, we have not made any decision yet regarding any exit date of these very popular LEGO themes.

We also appreciate your suggestion regarding a combined 'Middle Earth'-theme. I will be delighted to pass your comments on to the design team.

While again pretty standard, they do say that there is not a decision (yet). Assuming they are telling the truth, isn't there a chance that a new LOTR wave could be coming? Let me explain:

Hypothetically, if the next LOTR wave would hit the stores, it would be at least six months after Hobbit wave 3 (which would make it spring/summer 2015), and maximum a year after (autumn/winter 2015). How long are sets in production? I believe more than a year, maybe two years, no? If they didn’t decide yet about an exit of (both!) the lines, wouldn’t that mean that there could be something in production?

If the end date of the lines is not fixed, then surely they are leaving something open for after the Hobbit wave 3, otherwise they could call it quits right now because the Hobbit sets are obviously finished (maybe only artwork and stuff like that) end they would know the end date. Also: they say the LOTR and Hobbit lines are very popular themes.

Then again, the reply could only be a way to keep us in the dark while they know it’s ending after October 2014…

I can only say: please keep sending LEGO emails so they know what their fans want, even when they don’t have to listen.

And yes, I àm desperate.

[Blakstone]

Trunkbass, they have not announced any decision nor has the decision been shared with the customer service department is likely true. But the production schedule for all the factories has to be scheduled very far out. I would guess at least six to eight months out.

I would take more hope from the effort that TLG took to promote wave 3 Hobbit at SDCC. That shows that LEGO still values the Tolkein brand. They easily could have done more Star Wars instead.

We don't really know how good the sales were for either LotR or the Hobbit. I think the big worry is that LEGO won't continue a line if the media tie-in ends. For example, the LEGO Shareholders report stated that Pirates of the Caribbean exceeded expectations but the line ended anyway.

The massive LEGO Movie line likely took the production capacity that LotR would have used (and more). If LEGO still has faith in LotR, they have the ability to continue it.

I am just waiting for the Hobbit instructions to see if there is a future for our line.

[deskp]

I think you can make a good fellbeast with only needing a new head mold. While keeping the size smaller than smaug.

[Robert_88]

I am just waiting for the Hobbit instructions to see if there is a future for our line.

I am hoping that the retailer catalogue will tell us earlier if we will get more LotR sets!

@deskp: Very nice!

Edited July 28, 2014 by Robert_88

[Blakstone]

I am hoping that the retailer catalogue will tell us earlier if we will get more LotR sets!

I look forward to good news no matter where it comes from. But remember that some catalogs called Hobbit wave 3 as Lord of the Rings and Hobbit.