Albus

I wouldn't mind if Orthanc doesn't have an Ent(s) - it is the building itself that interests me, honestly. In my opinion, it is definitely the most iconic building from the films (yes, even more than Minas Tirith). Its only challenger would be Bag End, if that can be called a "building". Orthanc was always the one I would remember from the movies when I was younger and not into LOTR as much. It features more in the films, and I think it just has a more memorable shape and "ambience" than Minas Tirith. I do think at least one Ent would be good though. I reckon all they'd need is one generic Ent, and then release a Treebeard set later, to combine with it. Throw in Saruman, Grima, Gandalf the White, Legolas, and some orcs, and maybe even a Theoden (with hair) and I'd be very happy! (I'd want some horses too though). Have a few generic forge items (the spiky wheel maybe), and even the little food shed the Hobbits find, and that would be my dream Orthanc set. And hurray for Elf arches!! (They had Tom Bombadil in the video game - I do not think it's out of the question that he'd be released, but I do think the only place he would be released is a a DK book exclusive. Tom and Old Bilbo would make great figures for those books (which I have no doubt will be done for LOTR/Hobbit, probably even one for each, including character books. That's four exclsusive Middle-Earth minifigures!).

I've given all these a lot of thought in my own "quest to find the actor with the most minifigure representations", and I was glad to find a topic where other people are doing it too! There's a very fuzzy line, I think, in determining what counts. I would include Hamill's performance as Ozai, because there's only one version of that which has been done by LEGO. I wouldn't count Hamill as the Joker however, because of the ambiguity. Until you get official, concrete fact that the Joker figure is based off the one Hamill perfomed as, it remains ambiguous, and we can't say either way, so it doesn't count. Kenny Baker's portrayals and all Davis' costumed characters do count too - they are still based off that actor's acting, whether or not you can see them is irrelevant. It really just comes down to what the character is based on. People like Wolverine and Magneto won't count to their respective actor's tally because they are based off a different interpretation (comics), it's as simple as that. Even if they do look like the actor (keep in mind, the actor was probably chosen because they look like the character...), they are not officially represented, so we cannot count them here either. And even when you have a character (take Ki-Adi Mundi for example) who is ultimately based off the actor (because the movies came before the cartoon), it's a derived representation. That CW figure you have there is not Silas Carson (Mundi's film actor), even if it is based off Carson's representation, but only because his representation was first. The exception to this one is Samuel l Jackson. Nick Fury counts, because the Ultimate Fury was based off Jackson (permission is irrelevant, I think) - that's partly why he played him in the movie, not someone else. It would be interesting to see if they did do a different version for the movie Fury, but I predict they would not (same representation). Anyway, those are just what I think the distinctions are (Of course, speaking of Silas Carson - he plays Nute Gunray and Antidar Williams as well (the pilot of the Radiant VII from Episode I), so he has two minifigures under his name as well! Now they do need a non-CW Ki-Adi Mundi... )

I have no problems with the current version ("Battle-in-a-Box"), because as I see it, I would always be wanting at least two factions (what's the point of building an army of just clones, if you don't have an opposing droid army?). For example: if I am creating a Battle of Endor battle, then, if LEGO were doing single-sided battle packs, I would need to buy a certain amount of Stormtrooper/Scout packs, and an equivalent amount of Rebel battle packs (or Ewoks, or whatever: good vs bad basically). If LEGO is doing the current format though, e.g. the 2012 Endor Battle Pack, then I am still buying just as many sets, to get the same number of troops per side. It's just this time around I am purchasing the single set multiples time instead of two different sets. 2x Endor Battle Pack will give me the same thing as 1x Baddies pack and 1x Goodies pack. The trouble comes when you take in a whole lot of different factions and all: OT stuff is easy, there are limited factions. When PT and CW come in however, you can do anything, because there are so many different sides and battles. That is the problem that some on here face, I am sure. Overall, sometimes I mind, sometimes I don't. E.g. I don't mind for the Endor pack, because if I want 4 of each side, I buy two sets, which I would have done anyway if they were in two, single-sided packs. The issue of specialised characters is a whole other aspect of it all

I think that a bright blue (perhaps the Alien Defence blue? Or something lighter maybe?) would be perfectly suitable for force ghosts. It's bright enough for them to look like "more than just a normal character", obvious enough that they're ghosts. I have had problems with transparent red 1x1 cones, and solid colour lightsaber pieces (light grey, the pieces were assembled this way in the 2005 Droid Tri-Fighter). One particular wand piece is all bent because no-one could remove it from the cone... I definitely do not want transparent minifigures if it is going to compromise quality. I can imagine printing might be an issue on transparent minifigures too.

The face would be Han Solo's face from Jabba's Palace I love the snow, the speeder, and the little details like the radar/signal thing, and the scattered bones etc - good job!

Yes, the barge does look a bit squat this time around I've compared it with my 2006 model here, and it is partly because the new one's "bow"/front slope section is less steep, and longer, thus taking up more of the barge's length.

I like your thinking Legonater: I feel that the choice of some of these less iconic scenes, such as the Corsair ship, and the Battle at the Black Gate, is actually good news - I think it means that LEGO is looking forward. If the theme was not doing well, then I do not think LEGO would "waste" some of their final sets on these more obscure scenes. The appearance of these scene, in my opinion, means that LEGO is confident in the theme's success, and is not afraid to touch upon some of the less-known scenes, to "fill in the gaps", something that might not usually be attempted in a theme until later on, when they are sure they can afford to do that because of the theme's success. So although I was originally disappointed and confused in the selection of sets they chose to make (I still want them all of course ), I see it as a good sign, a sign of the theme's potential longevity - a glimpse into LEGO's frame of mind in regard to this theme.

Hmmm... good that there is a set with Jango Fett, but bad in that I was planning not to get the calendar this year... (I prefer to get one every second year). It certainly feels like they are just throwing him in there to get people to buy the calendar, but oh well, I haven't seen the calendar yet and I could easily be swayed. I certainly look forward to the Dooku figure (pretty sure he'll turn out as he is in the Yoda Chronicles Trailer). I am very glad they used the hairpiece they have, I knew it would be perfect if they ever did a Dooku remake, and hair in grey is always useful (and usually rare, depending on the piece).

Sounds like the Palantir will be a minifig head from the info on Barry's blog... As discussed, I think there are better pieces, but I am not unhappy, it will work. (I do love it when they use the head piece for different things).

Haha, don't worry, I know that neither have been confirmed, as I have been following the discussion. It just seems as if there is a gap in the conversation when a couple of people suddenly come to the conclusion that it was confirmed, as if it actually was, that's all. I was questioning some odd responses where people were treating it as fact. In terms of a UCS X-Wing including part of the trenches, that would be cool I think. Why not have some Turbolasers? I am pretty sure they have only been seen in the Death Star (10188).

Hold on, "went" with? When and where was the Ewok Village confirmed? I don't think it has been?

I'm pretty sure that will be a preliminary mould for the eagle. I suspect it wil have proper claws to be able to pick up minifigures. And the fact that Gandalf has his staff here in this set means nothing. That happens all the time in licensed sets: mixed up weapons and tiny anachronisms. It looks good. I do think it could have had just one Gondor Soldier though. Just one... But perhaps this does point to some more Gondor-Centric sets in the future. LEGO does like taking opportunities to put in important minifigures (take the "The Black Pearl" set from POTC - they chose a scene which allowed them to put in some important Flying Dutchman crew, including the Big Bad himself, Davy Jones, even though they didn't quite fit in the set, and it was an odd scene to choose for such an iconcic ship in the first place, not being particularly action-orientated. The point is that they put him there anyway because the theme was ending, and there were no plans for a more appropriate set for him to appear in), so if they haven't included obvious Minifigure choices, my theory is because it means they have plans... The fact that Saruman was not included in "The Orc Forge", even though he would have fit in very nicely, and when there was a preliminary fifth figure, supports this theory I believe. Not included earlier on, because they had plans for him later... in the form of "Wizard Battle" and an Exclusive "Tower of Orthanc"... I think part of the reason we don't get two towers is that it would be a pretty repetitive build... besides, it means people might buy two...

Ah, there we go then. I(Of course, it does, they fit on studs, how silly of me). I do still like the designated orb piece I pointed out though.

I don't believe the technic ball joint can be held by a minifig. The piece I have always imagined for the Palantir (or similar items, such as the Prophecies from Harry Potter), would be a printed version of this piece: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=x12 It comes in a few city sets, but the set I always remember it from is Vladek's Dark Fortress, where it comes in transparent blue and is used as Vladek's own Palantir-equivalent (crystal ball).

I don't think that a Minas Tirith is unlikely, but not something to the scale that a lot of people here are discussing. The solution to making something large in LEGO form is not "make it an exclusive/D2C". It's not always that simple... I think that a simplified version would do it justice: just 3 levels rather than 7. Have a lower level with the wall and gates, have a second, higher level, with maybe some interior rooms such as the Throne Hall, an armory and what-not, and then the top level, which has the large outcropping which pokes out the front, the white tree and its courtyard (this will be rather small, but we are talking simplified and realistic here), and the pyre room, and possibly the flame beacon. There might be a small catapult for the orcs. I also think this is the best possible set for a Fell Beast to come in: not too small like an Eowyn/Witch-King set, or even an Osgiliath set. Minifigs: Denethor, Gandalf the White, Pippin (Gondor Outfit), Faramir, Gondor Guard (x2), Mordor Orc (x2), Witch-King. (And possibly, Gothmog, but I would anticipate a "Uruk-hai Army"-style set which would accompany this Minas Tirith, with Gothmog, some Orcs and an assault tower or catapult, or something like that.) I think that 3 levels would capture the general shape quite well, while still incorporating all major areas (for such a big place, not much is actually featured) and being affordable for customers, and a worthwhile and feasible set for LEGO to make. That is what I imagine, and I have a very good picture in my head (if I could draw or use LDD, I'd share it, but this description will do for now). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On the issue of the Fell Beast: I imagine (and would like it to be) moulded. Doesn't anyone remember the 2007 Castle dragons? That is what I would like - they were a good size, and provide ample amounts of movement and posablity, in my opinion. The Horntail is far too restrictive (excusable: it was before 2007), and until I see a brick-built model which both looks good AND would be something LEGO would do (not just a MOC), then brick-built would not look good. I think that an Osgiliath set would have to have a Fell Beast however, as that is the most interesting thing that goes on there. All the rest that happens is mostly just background battling, or a precursor to the action at the far-more-awesome Battle of the Pelennor Fields. BUT, I do not think an Osgiliath is likely (I think my idea for Minas Tirith is more likely), until much later in the theme. If there is an Osgiliath set, it will be a much smaller one with a few ruined walls/tower parts, and 3-4 minifigures, that's all. I also never expected a Minas Tirith in the second, upcoming wave. I predicted an Orthanc (and was at first disappointed when it appeared there wasn't one, and then pleasantly surprised when it was revealed they were doing one, AND it was an exclusive. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In terms of the prevalence of Gimli and Aragorn in this wave, I think it makes plenty of sense. Just because a set is the only chance to get a certain minifigure (e.g. Old Gloin in the "The Council of Elrond" set), doesn't mean LEGO will put it in. I doubt that set would be popular with a young child without the play feature, and would wonder who Gloin even is, and why he is in that set! Same for the Corsair Ship - a child will build it, watch the scene, and wonder where Gimli is. They are not, however going to wonder why their ship only came with 2 or 3 undead, instead of 100. From a marketing stand-point, it makes sense. Sometimes (more often than not), AFOLs have to come second, for a reason. Anyway, those are my ideas and thoughts. - Albus

It was said some time ago (sorry, I cannot say where or when, not sure, I just remember reading it, probably on this site somewhere), that LEGO's plan was to do Hobbit sets in the December/Winter wave, and LOTR sets for the Summer Wave, i.e. June at the earliest. I think this was before we actually got set details and images though (only a confirmation that LOTR would continues). I think that logic makes sense, but wouldn't say no to an earlier release (considering I will be spending money on SW by the northern Summer as well... ).

I've read the books, I just assumed the Moria Orcs were the same between the two books.

Ah,ok. At least now they have a name (I didn't know). I still wonder why they are brown like Mordor Orcs though. But it doesn't matter, thanks for that!

The Hasbro Cruiser looks at least pearly though, from the photo. LEGO could make it in one of the pearl-silver colours, not necessarily chrome. But anyway, I agree, I think that a Royal Cruiser is probably not likely for LEGO to do. Thay have their reasons for not making one up 'til now, even if we don't know them.

I don't really think the Mordor Orcs need chestplates, and definitely not a new piece. Some of the orcs in the videogame have breastplates which I think would look good, if LEGO did decide to give them some. I definitely wouldn't want them to re-use the Moria torso for Mordor Orcs though, that would mess with me, personally. I'm already a tiny bit annoyed that the "The Hobbit" Hunter Orcs aren't green (being from the Misty Mountains, like the Moria Orcs). I'm not sure why they are brown like Mordor Orcs from LOTR, but who knows? I guess they are a bit different to Moria orcs in the movie... but it just doesn't make sense to me. I loved your great (and hilarious) observations before, Faefrost - I am sure there is some truth in them, haha The news about the exclusive Orthanc set is great! I was truly expecting an Orthanc to be the flagship of this next wave, and was a bit disappointed that they'd reduced the potential to "The Wizard Battle" in its place. But, if there is anyway to do a good Orthanc, it is as an Exclusive. (I hadn't considered it, as Exclusives are rare as it is, and most themes don't have them so early on. Perhaps the recent Haunted House and this news means that LEGO might be more willing to throw more Exclusives at us earlier on? I frankly think that this is an indication of the theme's success - I just hope that LEGO seizes its opportunity and does the best it can do for the license.)

Well, there's the proof I needed! I still think the selection is odd though... Anyway, I welcome all these sets, but do hope there are more than four! I am quite surprised that the corsair ship is the flagship of the wave (literally), as far as we can see, rather than the Black Gates. I do think it is a shame that the latter doesn't have at least one Gondor Soldier, or an Olog-hai, but if that is an eagle, it should make up for it I think! Anyway, I can't wait

But the problem with most of the EU is that a lot of people won't be familiar with it, especially the target audience of Children. Is a kid going to buy the set of their favourite scene from the movie, or a set of a scene from the EU which they likely don't know about? I am a bit disappointed there is no AOTC Arena playset coming later in the year (as far as we know), or a Jango's Slave 1 (last Slave 1 was 2010, so it might be a bit too soon for a new one). Those were the two AOTC sets I really wanted to see.

Apart from Brickipedia, and that video earlier on, is there any evidence that these are the sets we will be seeing? I mean, the video is pretty beleivable, but I just think that the chosen sets are very odd choices for LEGO's second wave of LOTR. The Battle at the Black Gate is greatly overshadowed by the Battle of Pelennor Fields in the movie, especially since by the Black Gate, the audience is more interested in what is happening behind the gates, with Frodo and Sam. Same with the Corsair ship, they seem to have been selected from the more obscure parts of ROTK. I would have expected an Orthanc as the flagship set, as it is more iconic and memorable.The first rumoured sets actually seemed more beleivable to me (with Isengard, the Balrog etc). Of course, if there really are going to be a similar number of sets as the first wave, 7 or 8, then hopefully the inclusion of other more iconic locations will make the choice of these particular ROTK sets less odd. I just think he wave as we know it features some very odd choices if they are going to be the only sets... I agree, a Rivendell would look great as an exclusive. Full of arches, stairways, platforms and walkways, many trees (autumnal coloured of course), the area where the council takes place. I would imagine it coming with: Elrond, Arwen, Aragorn, Frodo, Bilbo, Boromir, Gandalf, maybe some Elves etc. That would be cool!

The Death Star has 24 figures, plus the Dianoga. It is huge, expensive, an exclusive, and belongs to a long-running, highly successful theme. LEGO will not be chucking an army of figures into just any LOTR set anytime soon. I think a reasonable selection for The Black Gate would be: Gandalf the White Aragorn Mouth of Sauron (yes, I think this is likely) One Gondor Soldier Two Mordor Orcs One Olog-hai And possibly ONE of the Hobbits (whichever is involved with the troll).

http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItemIn.asp?P=229&colorID=88&in=A I just checked the catalogue for the part on Bricklink (above): it comes in three rather large sets (Kingdoms Joust, Pet Shop and the Friends Summer Riding Camp). I have Kingdoms Joust and Pet Shop, and they both came with spares. So, if you are lucky enough to have any of these rather large sets, then you can do it! Otherwise, it looks like it's pretty hard to come by (so far, I am sure we'll see more brown flower parts in the future, hopefully in smaller sets).