Flieger

Of course the supposed 'loud minority', which a few (not-so-silent) people want to see, cannot be not the reason for low toy sales. The reason is simple, Disney failed to attract new, younger audiences like TCW did back then. Rebels and Resistance were clearly aimed at younger audiences and failed to attract them. You cannot sell toys of your stuff to kids when the kids do not care about your stuff in the first place. I am a teacher, and Star Wars is not a thing for them. References to Marvel movies work, but not Star Wars. Not the movie, not the shows, and obviously not the toys. So no sales to them, digital or otherwise. Btw., I did not say anything about SJWs, but hey, good to know where you stand. Obviously TCW did resonate with younger people back then who had never seen Star Wars before, and it did so in a digitalized world. Just because Disney failed with Rebels and Resistance does not mean it is impossible. But I agree, the main problem is not whether or not kids play with classic toys like action figures or Lego. The main problem is kids do not care about Star Wars as much as afols did when they were young. And that is Disney’s fault. That is why, e.g., Hasbro decided and publicly announced (!) not to produce any Resistance S2 toys in the first place: kids do not want it, adults do not want it. Once you have a product that attracts young audiences we can discuss what the impact of gaming, online-media etc. is. But we are still at step one: get kids interested in Star Wars.

That's the point: the toy sales during the PT/TCW era were good. The current toy sales are not. https://www.jeditemplearchives.com/2019-09-13-is-history-just-repeating-itself/ Casually accepting the media narrative of the 'loud minority' does not change the facts: low toy sales, shows aimed at kids that failed miserably where TCW succeeded, and a Star Wars movie outfight floppng for the first time (when R1 did do well enough despite not being a 'main film').

While Disney has failed to attract new audiences and lost many old fans, it is not like the fans are gone. Lego can still count on them and would focus even more on classics. ...or the new Star Wars content that is coming and might to better than the ST. Of course nobody will admit it officially, but cancelling Resistance, reviving Clone Wars, and bringing back the Obi Wan-series are clearly course corrections by Disney. With a new wave of Clone Wars (which has a considerable fanbase), the Mandalorian (which has been well received so far, even hyped), and Obi Wan (which fans wanted for years) Star Wars could regain old strength. And even if it does not, OT and PT provide ample fallback for Lego. Just think about all the classic TIEs that have not been released in years (Bomber, Interceptor, Defender). And what if that fails to sell? Lego will just negotiate new, better licensing fees. In fact, I would not be surprised if the current weakness of Star Wars and the repeated failure of Disney to provide accurate information for the development of Lego sets had not led to renegotiations already. But unless Disney is completely unreasonable, Lego Star Wars will stay.

Three minifigs only? That is bad, even if the pilot had a new mould. If the KoR are important and cool, and if the movie does well, I could see some collectors going for it. But even then three minifigs are not enough. Is there a droid missing perhaps? As far as the price is concerned, I do not worry much. Most retailers pretty much immediately discounted Vonreg's TIE some 35%. Granted, Resistance is extremely unpopular, but let's see how TRoS will do...

I am not sure about that. A lot depends on the success of the shows. If they fail like Resistance, we won't get many sets. But even Resistance got two. Initially Rebels was covered really well. If the Mandalorian lives up to the hype, I think Lego will take the chance. I would think TCW serves as a role model: a show that was well received when there was no movie. And look what Lego did with TCW; the good old days... Also, due to the timeframe can re-use many classic designs like they did with the AT-ST raider. To be sure, I am totally with you, and I too believe Dryden's office could be a nice little vignette set. But realistically Lego will go for what promisses the most profit and unfortunately that is not Solo right now, or R1. But then, what do I know? I am surprised how many new moulds Lego produced for Solo only to be used in a singular set (the helmets of the patrol trooper, Mimban stormtrooper, and range trooper). I think a Mimban battlepack would have done really well judging from the response to the minifig as well as the scene in the movie, which was one of the few universally praised scenes afaik.

Maybe this helps... (not much spoiled, but still)

No new movies but a number of Disney shows: Mandalorian, Andor, Kenobi and Resistance (though I doubt Lego will do any Resistance S2 sets). As wesker said, there is a good chance they will revisit places and people from the anthology movies. Whitaker seems to be available if his work on Rebels is any indication. Not sure about Bettany... I for one would love to get Dryden, and I need more Mimban stuff. And the TIE Brute, AT-DT, the mines of Kessel.... Solo had so much to offer but it was a commercial and critical failure (and I don't know if the Lego sets did any better).

I hope your project progresses well! The Malevolence is a great ship and your approach looks promising.

True. Indeed, I would argue the whole design of Rebels was nothing but a very nice tribute to Ralph McQuarrie. I especially liked the AT-DP. And I do not think Disney's designers themselves lack imagination or originality. On the contrary! Just let them do their thing and they come up with wonderful stuff, as some of the Resistance designs prove, or the very detailed references to WWI equipment in Solo which make so much sense in-universe and out-of-universe/irl. The artwork books, especially those of the anthology movies, show what they can do. But it seems the executives tell them to stick to the classics. I mean, disliked Resistance but the space pirate designs were cool: PS: yes, distribution of the show was certainly a problem in my country too. That is Disney's fault, once again...

Sorry, I should have been more precise: the 'minimal redesign'-thing refers more to Disney than to Lego, i.e. the ST X-Wing or Y-Wing compared to the OT X-Wing or Y-Wing. It is true that the Lego adaptations get better and are often worth a purchase, but there too is a limit of what they can do. As far as construction is concerned some designs in some sizes have probably peaked, like the Y-Wing (compare R1's Y-Wing with the current TRoS model). ...which is kind of my point. Disney failed to attract new audiences. When TCW was running, the kids were loving it and they bought the TCW Lego sets, or asked their parents to do so. Therefore Lego found it profitable to release those sets. And now we have DIsney Star Wars shows supposedly aimed at younger audiences, Rebels and moreso Resistance, offering a lot of opportunities for toy makers. Yet Hasbro and Lego show little intrest (especially in case of Resistance). Unless Lego and Hasbro are totally dumb that means kids today just do not like the stuff Disney is producing for them. And that is a big problem for a toy maker. I know it is hard to imagine for us old time Star Wars fans. I too was shocked when a retailer said the kids like Ninjago much better than Star Wars. Unfortunately we are living in a world where children are less and less interested in Star Wars, largely because of Disney's strategy. That has consequences in the long run; declining sales figures are just the beginning. Btw., the EU is dead, and TCW, Rebels and Resistance are all canon just like the movies.

The idea is certainly very cool, the train being a microcosm of the Empire. I love all the details. Reminds me a bit of snowpiercer. As others have said, the official Lego set suffered from not being recognisable as a train set. The scene in the movie was also a bit too short to generate huge interest. I mean the Rangetroopers are cool and all, but they are seen for a few seconds. Lego should have gone all in: add at least another carriage, add a speeder from the Marauders, add a Viper droid, and add a more minifigs. Yes, that would have been far more expensive but I do not think a train set can work without carriages and additional 'stuff'. It needs to be part of a bigger world, and unless there is a Star Wars Trains subtheme, that means a big set.

Yes, as I already said: a total break is unlikely at the moment. What I am emphasising is the decline in Star Wars toy sales which certainly concerns Lego too. I would not be surprised in the least if Ninjago e.g. outperformed Star Wars, but without details (other than that SW contributed to growing TLG as whole marginally while losing money), it is all speculation. Perhaps Lego Star Wars is doing so much better than Hasbro... ...but then, just compare Lego's coverage of Star Wars media, compare TCW or TOR with Rebels or Resistance. If Lego was so damn sure that Star Wars is a such a hot deal, why would they ignore so many possible minifigs and sets, vehicles as well as locations? Resistance in particular screams for Lego sets and minifigs. All the aces and their racers, the pirates and their ships (a Lego combination that should be done: Star Wars and Pirates!), Pyre, Tierny... I could go on with other subthemes but to make a long story, Lego is very conservative if not downright hesitant when it comes to Star Wars. That's why they are going through the motions, release the bare bones of (minimally redesigned) classics and not much else. Whatever Lego's policy may be, one thing it is not: exhibiting confidence in Disney's Star Wars.

You're welcome. Ironically I would argue that the design branch at Disney is still very good, especially in the anthology movies. The Mimban/WWI-analogy e.g. was executed really well, even in details like the Sturmtruppen-style ammo pouches. The ST stuff is a lot less creative imo, but I don't think that is the main issue anyway. Star Wars as a whole is just mismanaged, and Disney failed to attract new audiences, while alienating at least a part of the existing fanbase. Say what you want about TCW, the kids loved it. Rebels and Resistance did not even get close to this kind of success. Kids nowadays just don't care as much about Star Wars as they did before Disney took over. Ironic, isn't it? And I agree with you: because Star Wars is no longer that juggernaut, and the competition is very strong, Lego Star Wars needs to be more creative.

If only Lego would release kind of star ship those guys could come with... I may want to add that the RotS Senate Guard is different from the TPM and AotC. I would like to see both versions, but if there is only one I prefer the TPM style because of the open faced helmet. And yes, the Galatic Marines are long overdue and considering Lego has the necessary moulds I am surprised we did not get them by now.

Considering the state of Star Wars toy sales, that would not be overly shocking. https://www.jeditemplearchives.com/2019-09-13-is-history-just-repeating-itself/ I mean Hasbro has openly declared having zero interest in producing Resistance related toys anymore, and I am sure they told Disney before they told the public. Lego has all but done the same. A total break may be unrealistic as of now, but Star Wars is no longer Lego's top dog. And a lot of that has to do with the general decline of Star Wars, which is Disney's responsibility. I doubt Lego is happy with Disney. Also, think about how many times Lego (and Hasbro) was screwed by Disney, like Lego designing an eleborate dual moulded helmet for a trooper that was seen for about one second in the movie (and Lego designers publicly stated they were glad Disney did not cut them completely). ...Or that Kylo Ren shuttle fiasco. ...Or that Heavy Scout Walker, which was a total waste for everyone. And so on. I would be very surprised if Lego did not send some strong words to Disney about the developments since TLJ. Again, a total break is not realistic - not yet. But it is not like Lego desperately depends on Star Wars anymore. Those days are gone. And it was rather well received despite not being a good application of the concept.

Actually not a bad idea: stronger focus on architecture, a bit like Lego City. Mos Eisley spaceport, Theed Royal Palace, Geonosis arena, Jaba's palace, Mimban imperial camp... all could be done in a modular fashion with subsections sold seperately. And let's not forget that 50ies diner from AotC. The strength of Lego has always been building... well, buildings. There is no need to give up the vehicles, and I am a firm believer that there needs to be an X-Wing, TIE Fighter and MF available at all times. But more buildings would help increasing the immersion. I never understood why we did not get a proper 400-500 piece turbolaser turret. I loved those when I was a kid, I still love them. We are getting (mostly smaller) gun builds all the time, why not a big one?

I think the exact opposite is true, considering how divisive the ST has been (so far). The Mandalorian seems to have broader appeal (so far), people have been wanting an Obi-Wan series for decades, and then there is more content including games. There is a good chance those bring back old fans, and then we will see a massive wave of Disney stuff trying to get their money once more. Also, don't forget the prequels. People who grew up with the prequels are beginning to enter AFOL age and might be a notable group in a few years. And there are many, many possible sets coming from the PT that have not been done in ages (AT-OT was 10 years ago!), or not at all (SPHA-T, UT-AT). There'll always be more Star Wars.

Would be kind of strange to have a TIE without a TIE pilot, but who knows... I'll just wait and see. Anyway I realize that it is unlikely to get a new TIE pilot helmet mould either way. Solo had some interesting stuff, too, like the TIE Brute or the AT-DT (I appreciate the deliberate crudeness of the design). It is just that those vehicles are pushed to the background by Disney and Lego apparently had no desire to change that. I mean, the Solo TIE Fighter set's minifigs would have been perfect for an AT-DT, just switch the pilot for a driver.

Let's wait for the minifigs (new moulds?), the parts (big, new?), and - most important of all - the unavoidable discount. As pretty much everyone has said, TIEs tend to be overpriced and the retailers usually drop the price quickly. And unless the TIE Dagger is a key vehicle in the movie and the movie is a huuuge success, the price will go down. (And I am rather certain that the TIE Dagger will be a background vehicle, at best on par with the TIE Striker, at worst something like the Range Troopers. And the times when 'blink and you miss them'-vehicles of Star Wars sold well are long past). Btw., I am not kidding about that new mould thing... if there is a new TIE pilot helmet with tubes and an enclosed neck, I'd buy this set at full price. ...maybe multiple times, depending on the other minifigs, And if there is no reason at all for this price tag, I trust the power of voting with your wallet.

Depends on the officer... I am sure many adult collectors would have loved to get a Daine Jir or any other named officer. A generic officer is indeed rather uninspired, especially as the exclusivity is limited to the rank insignia only. I think the crewman is even worse. Yes, the new printing is nice, if a bit overdone for my taste, but you cannot use the crewman for any other MOC or set since he'd stick out. And what is the point of having one no-name crewman standing beside the ISD? It would make sense if named characters would be standing there: "yes, those are the guys from that ship, cool!". To be fair, they are big parts, which do cost more, and it is therefore a heavy set. The price-to-weight ratio is actually the same we had with the Falcon. Within the world of (generally overpriced) Lego, the price makes sense.

The Crewman probably has arm printing (imperial logo) and the officer may have different rank insignia or a new face.

Thanks for the responses, very interesting! I would like to add that there is a difference between not knowing the source material, and thus being indifferent to it, and enjoying or not enjoying it. If one does not know the movie/series/game it is easier to judge a set without bias. I bought some Old Republic Sets simply because I liked the looks. And if I had not watched Resistance I might be more open to Vonreg's TIE. Btw., I totally agree on Ninjago. The quality of the sets is just amazing. Then you look at Lego Star Wars... But I came back to Lego mostly because of Star Wars (also because of LotR but that one is done, I am afraid to say). And I cannot help but suspect Lego prefers to release sets based on what they think is most popular. And that makes sense, of course. On the other hand, I am sure a good TPM set with Queen Amidala in her regal outfit would sell, despite TPM's reputation. To be honest: no. I meam, the MOCs are extremely well done and I applaud the maker. But both available Resistance sets are basically what I would want. The minifig selection could be better, more focussed on the vehicle (FO personnel for Vonreg's fighter, not resistance members; more members for Black Ace, not Poe and BB8). Other than that they entirely meet my expectations for Lego sets of their respective size. But the striking red of Vonreg's fighter and his brilliant minifig would only remind me of how I did not enjoy the show. And I want positive vibes from a Lego set. I even disassembled my FO TIE simply because I don't want anything related to TLJ in my room. (To be clear, if you like the movie, good for you! More to enjoy for you. As long as we respectfully accept everyone's choices, there is no harm done).

Recently I noticed something curious: Vonreg's TIE fighter is a set I should be buying. I like TIEs, a lot and I like the Red Baron, who obviously served as inspiration. Also, right now there is a big discount where I live. So why am I not buying this set? And then I realized it is only because I do not like the show. That's it. Plain and simple. I certainly don't like what happened to Vonreg, but that is a minor concern. I had a similar experience with TLJ. I loved the TIE Silencer and all its minifigs, and I was ready to buy it the day after I saw the movie. Then I saw the movie. On the other hand I enjoyed Solo very much (yeah, I know, strange), and even though I was not overly fond of some sets, I bought most of them. Same with Rogue One and, to a lesser extend, Rebels. I know this is not fair, and certainly not objective. But I wonder if others feel the same.

There could be a swivel mechanism to turn the wings up, simulating a landing mode. Yes, it is on the on the cover of the visiual dictionary. https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Star_Wars:_The_Rise_of_Skywalker:_The_Visual_Dictionary

I agree: it is a shame. But if it had not been for Thrawn, and the extreme appeal this minifig has to most SW AFOLs, we probably would not have seen any more Rebels set. Too bad the TIE Defender was not introduced earlier; I am 100% sure Lego would have released Thrawn in a TIE Defender set. And that would have been glorious. I mean, Thrawn, Vult Skerris with his specially marked helmet and flight suit, maybe even Imperial Wedge... the lost opportunities. At a SDCC panel Hasbro directly said they have no plans for Resistance anymore. Considering what Season 2 appears to offer this decision is telling a lot. And by including the main protagonist in a 'villian set' Lego also basically told everyone there will be no more sets, at least not in the near future. Since The Mandalorian seems to be the next big thing in Star Wars, I don't think Resistance has much of a chance though. I guess that's it for Lego Resistance sets. Yeah, The Mandalorian may be for another age group but that won't stop Lego. And seeing how this show's trailer reignited my SW love, I am ok with it taking over.