The Lego Movie and canon

[Oky]

Please, guys, let's not spoil the movie for the few of us who haven't seen it yet! If you have to say something about the ending of the movie, please put it in spoiler tags.

[Sarah]

I guess you're right, but that was not my main point. My point was that the world that is depicted in the movie does not represent the world that TLG has created with their original themes. Octan is not an evil megacorporation, the Green Ninja is not part of a group of master builders living in the clouds, Batman is not a jerk living in Bricksburg, etc. All these things only happen in the Lego movie, which while it resembles the official Lego universe, is not really part of it and therefore doesn't affect the "main canon" (unless my theory about it being a movie within the Lego universe is correct, in which case it still wouldn't affect the canon).

Yes, the movie is obviously canon for the sets based on it, but the question is whether it is canon for the other themes that appear in the movie or not. The way I see it is that the Lego Movie sets exist in an alternate universe, a sort of "what if all themes would exist in the same world" scenario, much like how all other licensed themes are meant to exist in their own world, whereas in the "real" Lego universe all themes are separate and only connected in specific ways.

I think it is very obvious the Lego movie sets up an alternate universe -- it is the boy and his dad's universe. Anything can happen there that THEY want to happen. It has nothing to do with the Lego world universe.

[Aanchir]

I think it is very obvious the Lego movie sets up an alternate universe -- it is the boy and his dad's universe. Anything can happen there that THEY want to happen. It has nothing to do with the Lego world universe.

I definitely had my own imagined LEGO universe back in the day — in it, for instance, Ice Planet 2002 and Rock Raiders were closely connected and may have even coexisted on the same planet.

Never did I actually build my LEGO Universe in the same detail as The Man Upstairs did, or populate it with as many original creations as Finn did in the movie! The biggest layouts I made were when I spread my sets out on the floor for play and sometimes incorporated a couple original creations. But they inevitably ended up arranged somewhat chaotically on what we called the "built shelf" afterward.

[Moebius118]

Very interesting topic guys!

I for one did not know there was a Lego "universe" to be made canon before the movie.

Even now I find it hard to conclude if there still is anything "canon" even with the movie.

I am with all the people who believe Lego will allow for whatever stretch of imagination your heart desires as i will accept no less than a universe that allows my Space Police with my town modulars or modern day vehicles with Castle or Aquazone with Pirates.

However I am also with the people who agree Octan being neutral is more acceptable "canon" simply because they were never made the villain of any of the conflict type themes. Keep in mind they aren't exactly made the heroes anywhere either.

Like the movie, my version of Octan stretches all Lego realms. Not evil but as neutral as I believe Lego first intended. Like the "Cargo" corporation which I wish they'd name.

[TheBrickPal]

However I am also with the people who agree Octan being neutral is more acceptable "canon" simply because they were never made the villain of any of the conflict type themes. Keep in mind they aren't exactly made the heroes anywhere either.

Octan was present on the Skull Twins' jackets in Space Police III, and they were evil. Of course, that doesn't mean much, but it was just a little observation.

[LegendsOfNinjago]

I have a desk and 3 shelves that hold all my Lego stuff and in my world everything coexists. Intact a story I made up, Harry Potter, Lloyd, Toa Tahu (Stars) Anakin, Tony Stark, Superman, and Laval had to find 7 golden objects to raise The Great Golden Temple which now powers the 3 power cells in my city (one in ninjago, one on my Rebuild Aqua Base and one in my Jedi Temple...I'll have to post pictures.) btw is there a forum to dicuss your own story's?

[Dorayaki]

I think it is very obvious the Lego movie sets up an alternate universe -- it is the boy and his dad's universe. Anything can happen there that THEY want to happen. It has nothing to do with the Lego world universe.

To a degree. We don't deny that some imaginary universes made by FOLs are more narrow or broaders than the others, maybe some of they only accept Agent while the others don't mind to play Duplo with Technic. Most important of all TLM isn't a story only based on a single them like the upcoming Ninjago movie does. The more Lego elements it can include, the more audience can relate to this movie.

So as Oky pointed, we can see those backgrounds and personalites of characters are visibly different from their origins. To me it's more like some needs for the plot, not because TLC intended to make it an independent canon.

Edited March 4, 2014 by Dorayaki

[TheLazyChicken]

I have a desk and 3 shelves that hold all my Lego stuff and in my world everything coexists. Intact a story I made up, Harry Potter, Lloyd, Toa Tahu (Stars) Anakin, Tony Stark, Superman, and Laval had to find 7 golden objects to raise The Great Golden Temple which now powers the 3 power cells in my city (one in ninjago, one on my Rebuild Aqua Base and one in my Jedi Temple...I'll have to post pictures.) btw is there a forum to dicuss your own story's?

Now there is...

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=93078&st=0#entry1839911

[LegendsOfNinjago]

Thanks!

[Cult_Of_Skaro]

As all of you should know already, The LEGO Movie is in its own universe. Its story, and all of the minifigures and themes within it, are the creation of a young boy's imagination. I'm sure all of us have our own LEGO universe set for our collection, don't we?

Have I ever mentioned the continuing story of the unsung Power Miner, Joe Peanut? It's a thing at my house. Not to mention Blacktron and the Crusaders allying against Classic Space and the Black Falcons. My Modular Castle sets are being bombarded by the Alienator and the Invadet.

Edited March 4, 2014 by Cult_Of_Skaro

[conorp43]

It was a good movie!

[Transparency for Effect]

(May not be much all spoilers but, you can never be too careful)

One thing is, how this movie's transportation with separate LEGO realms fits in with Clutch Powers's.

In that movie you instead get separate planets in the same universe, but who's to say that's not where the other realms like Middle Zealand and Western are if they're still separate realms in the universe, especially when you consider how the DUPLO aliens said they come from their own planet?

[Dorayaki]

(May not be much all spoilers but, you can never be too careful)

One thing is, how this movie's transportation with separate LEGO realms fits in with Clutch Powers's.

In that movie you instead get separate planets in the same universe, but who's to say that's not where the other realms like Middle Zealand and Western are if they're still separate realms in the universe, especially when you consider how the DUPLO aliens said they come from their own planet?

I've though about that too. Something similar could be the space-related themes. For example, Millennium Falcon briefly passed the "earth" and then leaves, which means the general Lego Star Wars story doesn't actually happen on the land of Lego planet. The evil aliens in most original Lego Space stories also have to live in a different planet instead of being "domesticated".

I think the more comprehensive Lego world should include the concept of "universe". Since there have been many different subthemes in Castle, maybe not all of them are in the same planet.

Oh, the alternative answer is that the writers don't regard Clutch Powers as a physical Lego master builder and they don't really care about his story .

Edited March 25, 2014 by Dorayaki

[Transparency for Effect]

I've though about that too. Something similar could be the space-related themes. For example, Millennium Falcon briefly passed the "earth" and then leaves, which means the general Lego Star Wars story doesn't actually happen on the land of Lego planet. The evil aliens in most original Lego Space stories also have to live in a different planet instead of being "domesticated".

I think the more comprehensive Lego world should include the concept of "universe". Since there have been many different subthemes in Castle, maybe not all of them are in the same planet.

Oh, the alternative answer is that the writers don't regard Clutch Powers as a physical Lego master builder and they don't really care about his story .

Do all the aliens occupy the same planet or what?

And the idea of a universe is one that I think is ever expanding.

And yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if that was the answer. :P The thing didn't even have a proper LEGO set, but I still looked out for a Clutch cameo, and they could have gave reference to it simply because it was the LEGO Movie* before "The" LEGO Movie.

*LEGO system and fully original movies.

[Oky]

One thing is, how this movie's transportation with separate LEGO realms fits in with Clutch Powers's.

Short answer: It doesn't.

Remember that Wyldstyle said that all the realms used to be one before President Business separated them with big walls. There even is a map that shows all the realms existing on the same world, even Lego Space. We can't say for certain where all the other themes are supposed to be located. It all depends on Finn's imagination. Except for those themes/realms in his dad's display, everything exists wherever he wants it to exist.

As for the Duplo aliens, if we are to assume that the realms under President Business' control are Finn's basement and Cloud Cuckoo Land is Finn's room, then Planet Duplo is Finn's sister's room, so yes, they do indeed come from "another world".

Quite frankly, the Clutch universe doesn't really fit into the main Lego canon either. Much like the Lego Movie, it's possible that Clutch Powers is also a movie within the Lego universe. That would explain why he's such a famous action hero in the film, even though we've never heard of him outside of the movie.

[Transparency for Effect]

Short answer: It doesn't.

Remember that Wyldstyle said that all the realms used to be one before President Business separated them with big walls. There even is a map that shows all the realms existing on the same world, even Lego Space. We can't say for certain where all the other themes are supposed to be located. It all depends on Finn's imagination. Except for those themes/realms in his dad's display, everything exists wherever he wants it to exist.

As for the Duplo aliens, if we are to assume that the realms under President Business' control are Finn's basement and Cloud Cuckoo Land is Finn's room, then Planet Duplo is Finn's sister's room, so yes, they do indeed come from "another world".

Quite frankly, the Clutch universe doesn't really fit into the main Lego canon either. Much like the Lego Movie, it's possible that Clutch Powers is also a movie within the Lego universe. That would explain why he's such a famous action hero in the film, even though we've never heard of him outside of the movie.

So, theoretically you'd have the whole complex story of Bionicle going on and, just a couple of blocks to the left (no pun intended) you'd have things like Spongebob and City going on, totally unironically? Neat! That's like when you can technically connect Tetris to Call of Duty through a series of crossovers/cameos.

I think the reason Clutch Powers wasn't mentioned much outside of it's film was because it wasn't successful enough, though your theory would explain why there were never any sets of him ;) (But then again LEGO Studios...)

Wait, wasn't he referenced in LEGO Ninjago?

Edited March 26, 2014 by Transparency for Effect

[Oky]

So, theoretically you'd have the whole complex story of Bionicle going on and, just a couple of blocks to the left (no pun intended) you'd have things like Spongebob and City going on, totally unironically?

Theoretically, yes, but remember that in Finn's world, Bionicle is one of the "themes that we don't even talk about."

Wait, wasn't he referenced in LEGO Ninjago?

Yeah... So I guess if CP is just fiction, Ninjago must be too, but that would be going into St. Elsewhere territory again.

[Transparency for Effect]

Theoretically, yes, but remember that in Finn's world, Bionicle is one of the "themes that we don't even talk about."

Yeah... So I guess if CP is just fiction, Ninjago must be too, but that would be going into St. Elsewhere territory again.

Yeah, but a Matoran also appeared in the LEGO Studios online Backlot game, and a Rahski in this LEGO Club segment:

[Dorayaki]

Quite frankly, the Clutch universe doesn't really fit into the main Lego canon either. Much like the Lego Movie, it's possible that Clutch Powers is also a movie within the Lego universe. That would explain why he's such a famous action hero in the film, even though we've never heard of him outside of the movie.

IMO actaully Clutch Powers' story looks like the prototype of TLM, despite the different characters and plot. Both tell canons that combine all existed Lego themes, and the protagonists are trying to save the day for any district(theme) of the world.

Now obviously Finn doesn't have LEGO Organization in his mind. Suppose that TLM extended the canon from CP, the LEGO Organization would have been the real key to this story and there wouldn't be a need to find the legendary master builders. Also this organization is much more organized and mature. TLM wants to tell a story how a motley crowd learn "plan" "trust" and "teamwork". I can understand why the plot writers couldn't do it with Clutch Powers.

Well, these are still speculations. I'm personally unhappy with the fact that TLC didn't try to extend the storyline of CP or give those characters physical appearances like TLM do now. Did TLC already have ideas for TLM when they made CP story?

Edited March 27, 2014 by Dorayaki

[Transparency for Effect]

[/size]IMO actaully Clutch Powers' story looks like the prototype of TLM, despite the different characters and plot. Both tell canons that combine all existed Lego themes, and the protagonists are trying to save the day for any district(theme) of the world.

Now obviously Finn doesn't have LEGO Organization in his mind. Suppose that TLM extended the canon from CP, the LEGO Organization would have been the real key to this story and there wouldn't be a need to find the legendary master builders. Also this organization is much more organized and mature. TLM wants to tell a story how a motley crowd learn "plan" "trust" and "teamwork". I can understand why the plot writers couldn't do it with Clutch Powers.

Well, these are still speculations. I'm personally unhappy with the fact that TLC didn't try to extend the storyline of CP or give those characters physical appearances like TLM do now. Did TLC already have ideas for TLM when they made CP story?

Both movies have a character putting a wheel on his head in place of a head piece!

If your theory was true, it makes me glad I watched it in anticipation of TLM. And who knows, maybe he'll be a master builder in the next one, just to give back for "setting the groundwork". (Of course, I'd also like to see mentions of properties like Toy Story, Doctor Who if they make Cuusoo sets of it, maybe sets like Galidor just to take the piss out of...)

He had a 4-D ride, a DVD short and a mention on Ninjago the series.

[Oky]

Did TLC already have ideas for TLM when they made CP story?

Well, the first CP trailer and the first announcement of TLM came out around the same time, so I guess it's possible. However, I don't think that was the reason why they never made any CP sets. I think it's because CP was not that popular and almost everything in that movie already existed as a set.

[Dorayaki]

Well, the first CP trailer and the first announcement of TLM came out around the same time, so I guess it's possible. However, I don't think that was the reason why they never made any CP sets. I think it's because CP was not that popular and almost everything in that movie already existed as a set.

Not having any set is just my own complaint. I wonder whether CP was taken into the initial concept of the TLM story and then the plot writers decided not to make the two connected. Or perhaprs CP was actually a touchstone for TLM?

Physically the TLM movie products were released before its premiere. I think popularity isn't the key, but TLC already presume that a theatrical film make more benefitial success than a direct-to-DVD video so they would like to make that tie. Well, maybe having CP characters in TLM could make them physical though I didn't expect that at all.

Back to the canon topic, if they exist in the same world, judging by the concept of story, the main characters from CP would be definitely regarded as master builders, which sounds pretty ironic.

Edited March 28, 2014 by Dorayaki

[Transparency for Effect]

Not having any set is just my own complaint. I wonder whether CP was taken into the initial concept of the TLM story and then the plot writers decided not to make the two connected. Or perhaprs CP was actually a touchstone for TLM?

Physically the TLM movie products were released before its premiere. I think popularity isn't the key, but TLC already presume that a theatrical film make more benefitial success than a direct-to-DVD video so they would like to make that tie. Well, maybe having CP characters in TLM could make them physical though I didn't expect that at all.

Back to the canon topic, if they exist in the same world, judging by the concept of story, the main characters from CP would be definitely regarded as master builders, which sounds pretty ironic.

How so again?

'Course, you could always make your own Clutch minifigure:

http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/nori-gallery/movies/clutch-powers/clutchpowers4.jpg

[Oky]

Not having any set is just my own complaint. I wonder whether CP was taken into the initial concept of the TLM story and then the plot writers decided not to make the two connected. Or perhaprs CP was actually a touchstone for TLM?

I don't think so. The concept of having each theme exist on their own planet wouldn't really fit into TLM in my opinion. How would Lord Business separate all the themes if they're already on separate planets? It just wouldn't work with the kind of story TLM is trying to tell, so I don't think they ever considered the CP concept for TLM. An early version of the script for TLM was found today, and even there all the realms seem to exist on the same world. So no, I don't think CP ever had any direct connection to TLM.

Physically the TLM movie products were released before its premiere. I think popularity isn't the key, but TLC already presume that a theatrical film make more benefitial success than a direct-to-DVD video so they would like to make that tie.

True, but my main point was that CP was basically a glorified commercial for the Lego City, Power Miners, Space Police III, and Fantasy Castle sets that were out at the time, much like the Atlantis special was before it. I don't think they ever intended CP to generate interest in new sets, just advertise the ones that were already being sold. In the case of TLM, it's a big budget movie that is meant to appeal to both kids and adults with a theatrical release and lots of original characters, vehicles, and settings, so it lent itself to merchandising a lot more.

Either way, one thing is clear: TLC needs to stop underestimating the demand for sets based on their movies.

[Dorayaki]

An early version of the script for TLM was found today, and even there all the realms seem to exist on the same world. So no, I don't think CP ever had any direct connection to TLM.

True, but my main point was that CP was basically a glorified commercial for the Lego City, Power Miners, Space Police III, and Fantasy Castle sets that were out at the time, much like the Atlantis special was before it. I don't think they ever intended CP to generate interest in new sets, just advertise the ones that were already being sold. In the case of TLM, it's a big budget movie that is meant to appeal to both kids and adults with a theatrical release and lots of original characters, vehicles, and settings, so it lent itself to merchandising a lot more.

Either way, one thing is clear: TLC needs to stop underestimating the demand for sets based on their movies.

As I mentioned in previous reply, the story was meant to focus on an innocent rookie and his master builder companions with big personalities, so CP characters wouldn't have any impact on the main story. The involvement of CP might only be a respect to existed stories. If there is any doubt, it would be whether the writers had ever decided to include CP, or they never really mind this non-physical theme story,

because the TLM story is based on what common family know about physical products and CP doesn't count, unless the writers regard Team Clutch as the equally new characters to this theme.

That's pretty true. CP didn't actually include too many original concepts excepts the original protegonists, but just reintroduces some existed themes. TLM did consider how to relate the movie content to physical products (CMF series, convertible vehicles). Though not well-arranged, but this movie does know how to keep its own style with original scenes.

Regarding to this topic, I think CP might have its own chance to extend its own world if the writers have interesets. Unfortunately LEGO Organization to TLC isn't what S.H.I.E.L.D to Marvle franchise at all. Now I assume TLC is more willing to extend the TLM canon rather than take a look back on CP.

How so again?

'Course, you could always make your own Clutch minifigure:

http://www.brickshel...utchpowers4.jpg

Sorry, wrong hairpiece (which should be Jack Fury's), the problem should be his teammates.

Edited March 28, 2014 by Dorayaki