LEGO LotR - general discussion

[Leo604]

Are we even sure that we're getting a 3rd wave? I've heard several people say on other forums that a 3rd wave isn't going to happen. How they know that though, I haven't got a clue.

I'm pretty sure it's mostly speculation right now on the possibility of future wave(s); my 2 cents on this is that there's still a ton of content TLG hasn't covered, which I think would justify said future wave(s).

[Alcarin]

I'm pretty sure it's mostly speculation right now on the possibility of future wave(s); my 2 cents on this is that there's still a ton of content TLG hasn't covered, which I think would justify said future wave(s).

Not just that... its safe to assume that LOTR/Hobbit will last for as long as we get MOVIES released from Hobbit... and this concludes we can safely assume 3rd wave is on its way next December (and june for LOTR) but after that ye... there is loads of myst lol

[Lego Spy]

I've been sent them from someone who works on the sets.

Hmm... And your proof is?

Anyway, if these are indeed real, then I'll definitely get my hands on a Galadriel minifigure.

Edited October 20, 2013 by Lego Spy

[SandMirror38]

And no response from everything we've said.. This is 99% fake

[BlueberryWaffles]

Remember the "Azog" that had Voldemort's head and very obvious Sharpie markings? Still, Durins Bane was accurate when he told us about the new Hobbit wave.

[Darth Punk]

I'm not sure how there wouldn't be a third wave. Too much content that has not been touched. Especially considering that TLG is releasing a wave with each hobbit movie. Do people really think a movie like the hobbit would get three waves and TLoR only two? It's more likely a question of a fourth wave for TLoR or only three.

[SMC]

^ I agree but other don't seem to

[Darth Caedus]

^ I agree but other don't seem to

This. It would make no sense to break the momentum of the past four waves by having an empty summer before what will surely be a spectacular TABA wave, with all the final merchandising push and fanfare this final PJ Tolkien film will muster. 2014 is not the question, 2015 is the bigger one.

[Deathleech]

If sales are low enough Lego could easily axe the line, no matter what their original plans were. I think that's what everyone is worried about. However, there is little to no factual evidence that the line is doing poorly, just a random report pops up every so often where someone says it's not selling too well at their own local store. That's much to an isolated incidence to give any idea how the line is doing overall (it's in several other countries too don't forget).

I am not sure how well Lego was planning on the line to sell considering for LotR they gave it next to no advertisement and it's from movies over 10 years old with no other current media entertainment besides the Hobbit films. It's also a little more adult themed than what Lego usually makes. I know the CEO was asked how license themes were selling last year and he said they were selling well and specifically mentioned LotR. I dunno what Lego's expectations vs actual sales were, I wish we could get some data to put people's active imaginations to rest (either with the line ending soon or not). If we see an advertisement in the upcoming Hobbit instruction booklets for a 2014 LotR wave I think it's pretty much a guarantee we will get at least a third wave. If there is no mention I would be a little worried (though that doesn't necessarily mean there won't be one, just the chances are much less likely).

[pathas]

Here is some information what I have:

1. Two months ago I had the opportunity to talk with a guy who works in distribution. He told me that LOTR is selling very well.

2. I've been to Legoland and it was full of Chima and very few LOTR sets. Only one or two from each set.

So that guy told me that they give to Legoland sets what are going below expectations.

3. During my presence in Legoland they sold 3x 10237 what is good I think.

So I hope that we will see 3rd LOTR wave, we really need Gondor to complete Middle-earth!

[Fives]

I find it funny how people are STILL doubting a third wave. LEGO won't just stop making sets while they hold the license. If they have it, they will use it. And not giving us any sets based on Gondor is almost a disservice to the fans.

[AFOLguy1970]

In response to the rumored sets for 2014, I am quite skeptical. It sounds a lot like the Bridge of Khazad Dum, Treebeard Encounter, and Betrayal of Isengard list that came out almost a year ago. Remember those? Why I am in doubt:

(1) Minas Tirith is cheaper than Helms Deep. For a little under the price of Helms Deep, I do not know how you could have the main level plus two additional levels with a citadel.

(2) The Mirror of Galadriel: great for collectors and AFOLS like me. Not so great for Lego since the kid walking through the toy aisle is not going to want a lady with a slope instead of pants and her pitcher of water. They would much rather get a Star Wars battle pack, a city set, etc. or something that has action.

(3) Amon Hen: while it would be popular with some, the very big weakness is you would have no new characters in this set. Would a new version of Lurtz really make people get this? Then you have the build. Who really wants more trees and rocks?

(4) Witch King set: the one everyone seems to agree on that is necessary---While it may not be a big point, it is hard to believe Merry would not appear in this. He is equally important as Eowyn in that scene. I would even prefer Merry appear in Theoden's place with armor.

In the overall sense of the latest conversation, it seems like in order to have a successful wave three, you have to have each set appealing enough to sell to multiple demographics. There is hope, since it seems like the second wave is doing fairly well. I do not see piles of Wizard Battles like we saw with Gandalf Arrives and Riddles for the Ring. Orthanc is quite popular and was out of stock on my last visit to the Lego store. Black Gate and Council of Elrond are appealing to many. I think Pirate Ship Ambush was the only weak link as I saw several of those crammed on the shelves in Walmart. While it appeals to kids as the creator video suggested, they seemed to forget that most kids do not have $100 to burn. Likewise, many older collectors with the money simply saw fit to Bricklink the exclusive minifigs like the Army of the Dead and move on. I sure hope we get one more wave. It seems like Gondor and the Witch King are the biggest holes right now. Hopefully, the attention will go there.

[Ardelon]

Finally, someone is calling out the extreme pessimists! I agree that a third LotR wave is (almost) guaranteed - I doubt whether TLG would release Orthanc if the theme wasn't doing well. I wonder what the odds are for a fourth wave - the only parallel I can think of off the top of my head is PotC, which doesnt give me much hope...

[Legoman123]

I think it is a given that we will get a third wave of LOTR sets. But like someone has pointed out, Minas Tirith is cheaper than Helms Deep. I don't know how lego could pull that off? I also think (maybe this is just me) knowing the prices of the sets already is a little weird, considering it is about a year before they actually get released.

[Robert_88]

It's nice to hear some optimists! :)

I also think that a third wave is very likely!

[Mutant Orc]

A third wave is likely, but not along that list proposed I don't think.

[Propicz89]

I have no doubt of a third wave, its the sets it will be I am worried about. ;)

[SMC]

would people be happy with another wave without any gondor?

I would as it would give us all the other sets we need and then there would have to be a 4th wave

[Roebuck]

Sorry if this is mentioned already, but a smart way to make Minas Tirith cheaper is to “split it down the middle”. The set would be half the city, if you want the whole city, then buy a second set and build it mirrored. The two halves look more or less the same and it is a good selling point

[SMC]

good idea but would you have half a gate, tree and other important things?

[Deathleech]

I find it funny how people are STILL doubting a third wave. LEGO won't just stop making sets while they hold the license. If they have it, they will use it. And not giving us any sets based on Gondor is almost a disservice to the fans.

But we don't know if they actually do still hold the license. Remember the Hobbit was originally planned as just two films, not three. It's entirely possible Lego only signed up for a 2 year license with LotR/Hobbit. Like others I think the complete and utter lack of any Gondor related stuff surely points to a third wave, but you never know with Lego. They do some pretty weird stuff people would never expect (Pirate Ship Ambush anyone?).

[Ardelon]

But we don't know if they actually do still hold the license. Remember the Hobbit was originally planned as just two films, not three. It's entirely possible Lego only signed up for a 2 year license with LotR/Hobbit. Like others I think the complete and utter lack of any Gondor related stuff surely points to a third wave, but you never know with Lego. They do some pretty weird stuff people would never expect (Pirate Ship Ambush anyone?).

Even if so, is there a problem with prolonging licenses? LEGO is a top brand toy, The Hobbit is a hot franchise atm, the expected course of action would be to renew the license...

[Robert_88]

I think it is obvious that we will get (at least) one set based on Gondor and the Witch King (as a minifigure in another set).

A set based on Lothlorien would also be great!

[Fives]

But we don't know if they actually do still hold the license. Remember the Hobbit was originally planned as just two films, not three. It's entirely possible Lego only signed up for a 2 year license with LotR/Hobbit. Like others I think the complete and utter lack of any Gondor related stuff surely points to a third wave, but you never know with Lego. They do some pretty weird stuff people would never expect (Pirate Ship Ambush anyone?).

Even if so, is there a problem with prolonging licenses? LEGO is a top brand toy, The Hobbit is a hot franchise atm, the expected course of action would be to renew the license...

Yeah, LEGO would simply renew the license. They've renewed Star Wars twice because there is constantly more sets to make (CW, Rebels, Sequel Trilogy). Licenses like Harry Potter or any one-hit-wonders make sense to end after one or two waves. After that, there is nothing new.

[Deathleech]

Yeah, LEGO would simply renew the license. They've renewed Star Wars twice because there is constantly more sets to make (CW, Rebels, Sequel Trilogy). Licenses like Harry Potter or any one-hit-wonders make sense to end after one or two waves. After that, there is nothing new.

It really depends how things are set up. Lego might not want to pay to renew the license for just one more year if it is going to cost them too much or the theme is not doing as well as the expected. Or they might opt to only renew the Hobbit and NOT the LotR license. It all depends on a number of things which we as consumers know nothing about the specifics.