Lego Avatar Explained

Lego Avatar should not be confused with Lego Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Lego Avatar
Subject:Avatar
Characters:Ao'nung, Colonel Miles Quaritch, Crabsuit Driver, Dr. Grace Augustine, Jake Sully, Jake Sully (Avatar), Kiri, Lo’ak, Mo’at, Neteyam, Neytiri, Norm Spellman, Ronal, Spider, Tonowari, Tsireya, Tsu’tey, Trudy Chacón, and Tuk
From:1 October 2022
To:Present
Sets:9[1]
Website:https://www.lego.com/en-my/themes/avatar/about

Lego Avatar (stylized as LEGO Avatar) is a Lego theme based on the film series of the same name created by James Cameron. It is licensed from 20th Century Studios, The Walt Disney Company and Lightstorm Entertainment.[2] [3] [4] The theme was first introduced on 1 October 2022.[5] Subsequent sets were released in 2023, alongside the next film, .[6]

Overview

Lego Avatar is based on the James Cameron's Avatar film series. The product line focuses on an epic conflict on Pandora, an inhabited Earth-sized moon of Polyphemus, one of three gas giants orbiting Alpha Centauri A. On Pandora, human colonists and the sentient humanoid indigenous inhabitants of Pandora, the Na'vi, engage in a war over the planet's resources and the latter's continued existence. Lego Avatar aimed to recreate the main characters in Lego form, including Colonel Miles Quaritch, Dr. Grace Augustine, Jake Sully, Jake Sully (Avatar), Neytiri, Norm Spellman, Mo’at, Tsu’tey, and Trudy Chacón.[7] [8] [9] The Na'vi minifigures were modified with extra long legs and other new molds.[10] [11] [12] [13]

In December 2022, The Lego Group confirmed that the Lego Avatar’s longer minifigure legs aren’t the same as those used for Lego Toy Story (later known as Lego Disney)'s minifigures in 2010.[14]

Development

Lego Avatar designer Atticus Tsai-McCarthy discussed the concept of the Lego Avatar theme and said, "That actually emerged fairly early in the concept phase. In certain themes, like Jurassic World as one example, we are designing primarily for young kids who love dinosaurs and vehicles, whereas Avatar is intended for a slightly older demographic. This was my first experience designing for older builders and focusing on displayability was really rewarding, without losing the play value. You can play with the models, but also display them easily on a shelf and even combine them if you have several sets." and continued, "With 75572 Jake & Neytiri’s First Banshee Flight specifically I wanted to give the two ikran a sense of movement when designing the set. I was aiming to create a frozen moment from the movie, without needing a full diorama base."[15]

Launch

The Lego Avatar theme revealed at the San Diego Comic-Con and was launched in October 2022.[16] [17] The Lego Group had a partnership with 20th Century Studios, The Walt Disney Company and Lightstorm Entertainment. As part of the marketing campaign, The Lego Group released 4 sets based on the James Cameron's Avatar film series. Each set featured different Pandoran beasts, such as Banshees, Thanators, Direhorses, and Toruks.[18] Minifigures were released as well, including Colonel Miles Quaritch, Dr. Grace Augustine, Jake Sully, Jake Sully (Avatar), Neytiri, Norm Spellman, Mo’at, Tsu’tey, and Trudy Chacón. The sets were designed primarily for children with an age rating of 9+ or above.[19] [20] [21] [22] [23]

In September 2022, at the D23 Expo, producer Jon Landau confirmed in an interview that additional five sets based on Avatar: The Way of Water film will be released in 2023.[24] These sets included 3 new Pandoran beasts, such as the Ilu, Skimwing, and Payakan the Tulkun and minifigures of Tsireya, Tuk, Ronal, Tonowari, Neytiri and Kiri, Spider, Lo'ak and Tsireya, Neteyam, Ao'nung, Recombinant Quaritch and a Crabsuit Driver.

Characters

Humans

Na'vi

The Na'vi are humanoid creatures that inhabit Pandora along with other creatures. They use animals ranging from direhorses to even viperwolves.[13]

Toy line

According to BrickLink, The Lego Group released a total of nine Lego sets as part of Lego Avatar theme.[36]

Avatar sets

In 2022, The Lego Group revealed at the Lego Con in 2022 a brand new set named Toruk Makto & Tree of Souls (set number: 75574) was released on 1 October 2022. Additional four sets revealed at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2022 and were released at same time.[37] [38] [39]

Neytiri & Thanator vs. AMP Suit Quaritch

Neytiri & Thanator vs. AMP Suit Quaritch (set number: 75571) was released on 1 October 2022 and based on James Cameron's Avatar film series. The set consists of 560 pieces with 2 minifigures. The set included Neytiri's Thanator (Palulukan in Na'vi), Pandoran rainforest environment with some glow in the dark pieces and Colonel Miles Quaritch's AMP suit. Colonel Miles Quaritch's AMP suit included a combat knife and an enormous yellow chainsaw. The set included Lego minifigures of Neytiri and Colonel Miles Quaritch.[40] [41] [42]

Jake & Neytiri’s First Banshee Flight

Jake & Neytiri's First Banshee Flight (set number: 75572) was released on 1 October 2022 and based on James Cameron's Avatar film series. The set consists of 572 pieces with 2 minifigures. The set included two Banshee (Ikran in Na'vi) and Hallelujah Mountains with some glow in the dark pieces. The set included Lego minifigures of Jake Sully and Neytiri.[43] Lego Avatar designer Atticus Tsai-McCarthy discussed about Ikran used plastic wings instead of brick-built wings and explained, "Yes, that was pretty much the reason! Recreating the artistry of these creatures onscreen was very important. We thought it would be really nice to translate the wing shape and patterning as accurately as possible, which meant using the decorated vinyl."

Floating Mountains: Site 26 & RDA Samson

Floating Mountains: Site 26 & RDA Samson (set number: 75573) was released on 1 October 2022 and based on James Cameron's Avatar film series. The set consists of 887 pieces with 5 minifigures. The set included RDA Samson helicopter, Floating Mountains, Site 26 and Direhorse (Pa'li in Na'vi). Floating Mountains with some glow in the dark pieces and a Technic pin that allows to connect the RDA Samson helicopter. The set included Lego minifigures of Jake Sully, Dr. Grace Augustine, Trudy Chacon, Jake Sully (Avatar) and Norm Spellman.[44]

Toruk Makto & Tree of Souls

Toruk Makto & Tree of Souls (set number: 75574) was released on 1 October 2022 and based on James Cameron's Avatar film series. The set consists of 1212 pieces with 4 minifigures. The set included a Toruk (meaning last shadow in Na'vi), 3 rainforest environment builds and the Tree of Souls. The set included Lego minifigures of Jake Sully (Avatar), Neytiri, Mo’at and Tsu’tey.[45] [46] [47] [48] The Toruk is the Great Leonopteryx allow Jake Sully (Avatar) to ride on and become Toruk Makto. The 3 rainforest environment builds included some glow in the dark pieces and a Technic pin that allows to connect the Toruk Makto.[49] [50] [51] Toruk Makto & Tree of Souls (set number: 75574) was designed by Lego Group Designer Woon Tze Chee.[52] Lego Avatar designer Atticus Tsai-McCarthy discussed about Toruk Makto & Tree of Souls (set number: 75574) with a Technic pin and explained, "I think this came about when we were constructing the Floating Mountains or the archway in 75574 Toruk Makto & Tree of Souls, where you can place the leonopteryx. Early on, we were using normal Technic beams in black and figuratively asking builders not to notice them, with the colour contrast." and continued, "However, we later discovered that the Super Mario team was producing something similar to the City scaffolding piece, with Technic pin holes. Given its transparent colours, that was just perfect for Avatar and supporting the floating sections."

Avatar: The Way of Water sets

In November 2022, five new sets were announced for release on 1 January 2023 and based on film, including Ilu Discovery (set number: 75575), Skimwing Adventure (set number: 75576), Mako Submarine (set number: 75577), Metkayina Reef Home (set number: 75578) and Payakan the Tulkun & Crabsuit (set number:75579).[53] Each of the sets included new designed bow and arrow.[54]

Ilu Discovery

Ilu Discovery (set number: 75575) was released on 1 January 2023 and based on based on Avatar: The Way of Water film. The set consists of 179 pieces with 2 minifigures. The set included Tuk's Ilu and Pandoran coral-reef with a Technic pin that allows to connect the Ilu. The set included Lego minifigures of Tsireya and Tuk.

Skimwing Adventure

Skimwing Adventure (set number: 75576) was released on 1 January 2023 and based on based on Avatar: The Way of Water film. The set consists of 259 pieces with 2 minifigures. The set included Jake Sully's Skimwing ("Tsurak" in Navi) and Pandoran coral-reef with a Technic pin that allows to connect the Skimwing. The set included Lego minifigures Tonowari and Jake Sully.

Mako Submarine

Mako Submarine (set number: 75577) was released on 1 January 2023 and based on based on Avatar: The Way of Water film. The set consists of 553 pieces with 4 minifigures. The set included RDA Quaritch's Mako Submarine, stingray and 3 seabeds. The set included Lego minifigures Neteyam, Ao'nung, RDA Quaritch and Spider.

Metkayina Reef Home

Metkayina Reef Home (set number: 75578) was released on 1 January 2023 and based on based on Avatar: The Way of Water film. The set consists of 179 pieces with 4 minifigures. The set included Metkayina village, a canoe and Pandoran coral reef. The set included Lego minifigures Ronal, Tonowari, Neytiri and Kiri.[55]

Payakan the Tulkun & Crabsuit

Payakan the Tulkun & Crabsuit (set number:75579) was released on 1 January 2023 and based on based on Avatar: The Way of Water film. The set consists of 761 pieces with 3 minifigures. The set included Payakan the Tulkun, crabsuit submersible and 2 seabeds. The set included Lego minifigures Crabsuit Driver, Lo'ak and Tsireya.

Lego BrickHeadz sets

Jake Sully & his Avatar

Jake Sully & his Avatar (set number: 40542) was released on 1 October 2022 as part of the Lego BrickHeadz theme and based on James Cameron's Avatar film series. The set consists of 246 pieces and 1 baseplate. The set included 2 versions of Jake Sully in his human form with wheelchair and his Avatar form with spear.[56] [57]

Web short

The product line was accompanied by a series of animated short films that was released on YouTube.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Avatar LEGO Sets. 1 May 2023. BrickEconomy. en.
  2. Web site: LEGO Avatar Theme Confirmed to be Coming . thebrickfan.com . 23 March 2022 . 23 March 2022.
  3. Web site: LEGO Avatar: The Way of Water Reveals Coming to LEGO Con 2022 . thebrickfan.com . 20 May 2022 . 21 May 2022.
  4. Web site: Details on LEGO Avatar sets fly into view . Brick Fanatics . 4 June 2022.
  5. Web site: THE LEGO GROUP UNVEILS FOUR NEW SETS INSPIRED BY AVATAR AT SAN DIEGO COMIC CON 2022 . Lego Group . 20 July 2022 . Lego . 21 July 2022.
  6. Web site: Avatar: The Way of Water range revealed! . Brickset . 1 November 2022.
  7. Web site: Intricate Avatar LEGO Set Rebuilds Natural Pandora World In Detail . . 15 June 2022 . 15 June 2022.
  8. Web site: LEGO Announces 3 New Avatar Sets in the Run-Up to Comic-Con . . 21 July 2022 . 21 July 2022.
  9. Web site: LEGO's 3 New Avatar Sets From Comic-Con 2022 . . 21 July 2022 . 21 July 2022.
  10. Web site: The new and returning pieces in LEGO Avatar's first set . Brick Fanatics . 27 June 2022 . 27 June 2022.
  11. Web site: LEGO Avatar's long minifigure legs aren't the same as Toy Story's after all . Brick Fanatics . 14 September 2022 . 14 September 2022.
  12. Web site: LEGO Avatar's five new sets and taller minifigures are now available . Brick Fanatics . October 2022 . 1 October 2022.
  13. Web site: Who are the Na'vi? - Lego Avatar - LEGO.com for kids - GB. 2023-01-04. www.lego.com.
  14. Web site: LEGO confirms Avatar's longer minifigure legs aren't the same as Toy Story's . Brick Fanatics . 21 December 2022 . 21 December 2022.
  15. Web site: Interview with Atticus Tsai-McCarthy, Avatar designer . Brickset . 1 November 2022.
  16. Web site: Closer look at LEGO Avatar sets at San Diego Comic-Con preview . Brick Fanatics . 21 July 2022 . 21 July 2022.
  17. Web site: Every brand new LEGO set launching in October 2022 . Brick Fanatics . October 2022 . 1 October 2022.
  18. Web site: The four brick-built beasts of LEGO Avatar . Brick Fanatics . 28 July 2022.
  19. Web site: LEGO Avatar and Avatar 2 sets confirmed in new interview . Brick Fanatics . 22 March 2022.
  20. Web site: 2022-03-22. Exclusive: The Walt Disney Company and Lightstorm Entertainment on 'Avatar 2' Collaborations and Consumer Products. 2022-03-23. licenseglobal.com. en.
  21. Web site: 2022-03-23. LEGO Avatar sets are officially in the works, four kits featuring the Na'vi slated to release this fall. 2022-03-23. 9to5Toys. en-US.
  22. Web site: 2022-07-20. LEGO officially reveals full Avatar lineup with four new sets from Pandora. 2022-07-21. 9to5Toys. en-US.
  23. Web site: The all-new LEGO Avatar theme has officially launched . Brick Fanatics . 1 October 2022 . 1 October 2022.
  24. Web site: Four more Avatar movies are planned confirms The Way of Water producer . Brick Fanatics . 11 September 2022.
  25. Web site: Jake Sully - Lego Avatar Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB. 2023-01-04. www.lego.com.
  26. Web site: Avatar - Characters Official LEGO Shop GB. 2022-09-20. www.lego.com. en.
  27. Web site: Colonel Quaritch - Lego Avatar Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB. 2023-01-04. www.lego.com.
  28. Web site: Dr. Grace - Lego Avatar Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB. 2023-01-04. www.lego.com.
  29. Web site: Trudy Chacon - Lego Avatar Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB. 2023-01-04. www.lego.com.
  30. Web site: Norm - Lego Avatar Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB. 2023-01-04. www.lego.com.
  31. Web site: Neytiri - Lego Avatar Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB. 2023-01-04. www.lego.com.
  32. Web site: Mo'at - Lego Avatar Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB. 2023-01-04. www.lego.com.
  33. Web site: Tsu'tey - Lego Avatar Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB. 2023-01-04. www.lego.com.
  34. Web site: Ronal - Lego Avatar Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB. 2023-01-04. www.lego.com.
  35. Web site: Tonowari - Lego Avatar Characters - LEGO.com for kids - GB. 2023-01-04. www.lego.com.
  36. Web site: BrickLink Reference Catalog - Sets - Category Lego Avatar. 2022-10-01. www.bricklink.com.
  37. Web site: 2022-06-21. New LEGO 'Avatar' Sets Feature Banshees, Floating Mountains and Brickhead Jake Sully. 2022-06-21. Collider. en-US.
  38. Web site: LIGHTSTORM ENTERTAINMENT, DISNEY, AND THE LEGO GROUP REVEAL IMMERSIVE NEW LEGO AVATAR SETS . Avatar . 29 July 2022.
  39. Web site: 2022-10-01. LEGO's latest sets have arrived for October: The Office, UCS Razor Crest, Avatar, more. 2022-10-03. 9to5Toys. en-US.
  40. Web site: Why LEGO Avatar 75571 Neytiri & Thanator vs. AMP Suit Quaritch is better than you think . Brick Fanatics . 14 September 2022 . 14 September 2022.
  41. Web site: New Lego Avatar sets include knife-wielding mechs . Gamesradar . 22 July 2022 . 22 July 2022.
  42. Web site: Five new LEGO sets you shouldn't overlook in October 2022 . Brick Fanatics . 1 October 2022 . 1 October 2022.
  43. Web site: New LEGO Avatar Set Includes Flying Banshees & Floating Mountains . . 7 August 2022 . 7 August 2022.
  44. Web site: LEGO Reveals New Avatar Set with Floating Mountains: Site 26 . bleedingcool.com . 27 July 2022 . 27 July 2022.
  45. Web site: LEGO Avatar 75774 Toruk Makto & Tree of Souls officially revealed . Brick Fanatics . 18 June 2022 . 18 June 2022.
  46. Web site: 2022-06-14. Here's a first look at LEGO's new Avatar 1,200-piece Toruk Makto and the Tree of Souls set. 2022-06-19. 9to5Toys. en-US.
  47. Web site: LEGO Avatar 75774 Toruk Makto & Tree of Souls gallery . Brick Fanatics . 19 June 2022 . 19 June 2022.
  48. Web site: 2022-06-19. LEGO Unveils 'Avatar' Set Featuring Toruk Makto and the Tree of Souls. 2022-06-19. Collider. en-US.
  49. Web site: First Avatar LEGO Set Unveiled, Invites Fans to Return to Pandora . Movieweb . 21 June 2022 . 21 June 2022.
  50. Web site: LEGO Avatar set includes glow-in-the-dark elements . Brick Fanatics . 27 June 2022 . 27 June 2022.
  51. Web site: LEGO CON 2022 IS BACK . Lego Group . 18 June 2022 . Lego . 23 June 2022.
  52. Revealing the LEGO Avatar Toruk Makto & Tree of Souls - LEGO CON 2022. July 14, 2022. YouTube.
  53. Web site: 2022-11-02. LEGO reveals four new 'Avatar: Way of the Water' sets ahead of January 1 launch. 2022-12-03. 9to5Toys. en-US.
  54. Web site: Five themes that need LEGO Avatar's new bow and arrow . Brick Fanatics . 2 November 2022 . 2 November 2022.
  55. Web site: Metkayina villages - Lego Avatar - LEGO.com for kids - GB. 2023-01-04. www.lego.com.
  56. Web site: New LEGO Avatar Sets Revealed Ahead Of Comic-Con . Bricksfanz.com . 18 June 2022.
  57. Web site: Everything new in the LEGO Avatar BrickHeadz set . Brick Fanatics . 23 July 2022.
  58. Build your bond with LEGO Avatar. January 1, 2023. YouTube.