Balrogofmorgoth

I’ve been saving vip points for years and years and when this comes out I’ll have enough to get it for free

Well sure, if people let their speculations turn into expectations, then absolutely. Recipe for disappointment. But I feel like the lego community in general knows by now to take information, and especially speculation, with a grain of salt. Speculation is still part of the fun of the process. Especially since this is something that has been anticipated for a loooong time. Just thought it would be fun to say what our hopes are, or have been, now that there’s real hope

I’m honestly kind of surprised this thread doesn’t have more activity. I would have thought it would be absolutely flooded with speculation, hopes and fears, etc. based on how high the demand for this theme’s return has seemed over the last decade. Let’s get some things rolling. What are three new molds you would like to see in this Rivendell D2C? And if the theme takes off afterwards, what else would you like to see besides the obvious missing characters and factions? In Rivendell, I would love to see a new Narsil/Anduril mold, a new Hadhafang mold, and a new hat/hair combo for Gandalf. And playing off that, if the theme moves forward I would love to see more specific sword molds, since individual swords are such an integral aspect of the story: Herugrim, Glamdring, Anduril, Sting, Hadhafang, Orcrist, etc. It’s funny that they made an Aeglos mold last time around and never even made Gil-Galad who is the only character it would have made sense for

You can bet they’ll focus on making sure all the iconic scenes can be recreated. That doesn’t make it a collection of random things like Hogwarts Icons, it’s still a cohesive build and will probably have an excellent looking exterior as well. The cool thing about Rivendell is that it’s not closed off like Hogwarts, it’s very open and exposed because it’s a safe haven. So they can make the interiors and exteriors blend together in a really cool way

There’s definitely a chance it’s micro scale, but I do think it’s more likely that it’s closer to something like Assault on Hoth (totally underrated set btw) where you have all the most iconic sections of Rivendell at a highly detailed normal system play scale. Hogwarts Castle is known for its silhouette and so can be done well in micro scale to get the full effect. I think Rivendell is different in that it’s not so much the silhouette that stands out but rather the individual places and details. We don’t need the entirety of Rivendell in this set, we need several sections, each depicting different scenes and locations from the film, but that also come together to form a cohesive location build

It’s possible but I’m doubtful. I do think part of the reason for the failure of the theme last time around was the poor reception The Hobbit films

The only thing is that there are only so many figures that make sense for the set unless they make it a LOTR plus The Hobbit set all in one

LOTR would definitely be the only CMF series I would buy a whole case for. But that’s only if they no longer use bags. I enjoy the hunt too much with the bag feeling

My greatest hope is that they see the theme as full of promise but not being evergreen (at first) just like how HP started so that we could maybe get a few CMFs out of them. That would be the best way to get a bunch of new LOTR specific molds. But obviously that’s a VERY premature thing to hope for and has very slim to zero chances of actually happening I think the minifig potential is really good but not if we’re only basing it on what we got ten years ago. Those sets were absolutely ahead of their time but there’s still a ton that can be improved upon, especially with the minifigures. If this does well, the rest will follow, and then we’ll eventually get Gondor stuff and other missing characters and locations from before, as well as some more improved repeats. Again, it’s been ten years, I think repeats and upgrades are inevitable and even essential. But it’s up to all of us to make sure that happens by buying this Rivendell set and sending the message that we want this reboot very badly

So. I think a Rivendell D2C is the perfect place to start for a reboot. Obviously only sales will determine whether or not this actually becomes a full reboot. So let’s not disappoint! They’ll have the opportunity to include all nine members of the Fellowship as well as characters like Elrond, Arwen, and Bilbo. Maybe some background Elves or people at the Council like Gloin. Possibly even Ringwraiths if they include the ability to recreate the Flight to the Ford scene. Also, Rivendell’s architecture is gorgeous and I can’t wait to see what building techniques the designers utilize here. I think it’s an excellent choice for all these reasons in addition to the fact that it’s a very iconic location and everyone knows the name Rivendell. I think it’s the perfect choice to kickstart this theme. If it does its job, then sets with missing characters and locations from the last run will follow. But this is the perfect set to draw people in because of how aesthetically pleasing of a display it will be, as well as the supposed abundance of minifigs

Except the JP gate didn’t do very well. So I doubt they would go that route again. I’m honestly fully expecting something kind of out there like a buildable map or something. Lego’s decision making has been very questionable lately so I find myself doubting this will be any kind of play scale set. Here’s hoping though

I think Barad-Dûr would be my top pick. Even over Minas Tirith. Especially if a Sauron minifig is included

As much as I want a system scale D2C set, I could easily see it being something gimmicky

Meduseld is actually one of my most desired sets from a LOTR theme

Brick built Doors of Durin would be really cool. Of course they would probably be covered in stickers. Oh well. I’ll take it! Imagine a huge Moria set complete with the Doors of Durin, Watcher in the Water, Mithril mine, Chamber of Mazarbul, stairs, Bridge of Khazad-Dûm, Balrog, and the East Gate. With all Fellowship members, Cave Troll, and a bunch of Orcs

I hated the idea of micro scale when the rumors of Hogwarts were circulating. But it was executed so well and is a beautiful set. I think several LOTR locations would lend themselves well to that style of D2C. I’d be fine with that as long as we got system scale playset versions of them as well, just like we did with Hogwarts

Depends on if it’s a legitimate reboot

Legomocloc

My hope is that if they reboot it fully, they treat the minifigs like they do in the HP theme, prioritizing details in making a lot of different variants of each character. Paying attention to different outfits from the films and making that distinction in the figures depending on the scenes being depicted. For example, give Aragorn his chain mail shirt under his normal tunic for Helm’s Deep instead of making it the exact same figure from Weathertop. That extra attention to detail on scene specific minifigs makes all the difference. And yes, Rohan Merry and Gondor Pippin would be spectacular

When it comes down to it, I can really only speak for myself. And I personally would MUCH rather have LOTR lego battle packs than the GW armies. Lego is also very popular among people who don’t even really buy or collect it. They admire it from afar. So it would be a good way to get those people to take the plunge and spend money on lego

The LOTR theme was definitely way ahead of its time as far as minifig designs, molds, and building techniques, and they do still hold up to this day. But I do think there are plenty of updates to the old theme they could do, figures included

I’ve been a lifelong LOTR fan and always wanted lego to make sets so when they did I made sure to get them all. So I was lucky enough to not miss out last time around. But it’s still such a waste and a shame that we only got two waves of sets (not including The Hobbit). So if this is truly the start of an actual reboot I am all over it and will buy at least one of everything they put out, even if it means giving up other themes

I think lego is different enough that people will go for it. And lego won't care they will want to compete for the army building figures that people can collect. Also, it’s worth noting that in most Tolkien circles I’m in, people get way more excited over lego figures than Games Workshop figures. In fact, I’ve had several people tell me they only get those because lego doesn’t make them, and they would switch in a heartbeat. Lego is beloved by enough people that I think LOTR battle packs would win over most LOTR fans. Definitely in the circles I’ve been in

If they actually reboot the theme completely, and that’s a big IF, then they will probably treat it as though there have never been LOTR sets as far as what sets, builds, and minfigures to produce. In other words, they won’t pick up where they left off. They will start from scratch

I would absolutely buy it too. Let me put it this way: I will buy every single LOTR themed product that lego releases no matter what. Yes, it’s definitely important that we all understand that nothing has happened yet, and at this point all of this speculation is purely out of hope that these Brickheadz are a sign of a complete return of the theme. But THAT IS NOWHERE NEAR CONFIRMED I think LOTR battle packs would be extremely popular, possibly more popular than Star Wars ones. It’s perfect for a theme that has no many different military factions in a fantasy setting. Especially among lego fans. Lego fans will want lego figures, not Games Workshop figures, including kids