Appearing in every Star Wars movie, TV series and special, video game and the focus of more LEGO sets than any one character in the entire franchise, you’d be pardoned for thinking that the Star Wars universe revolves around this stumpy robot. It’s almost as if R2-D2 is the Star Wars galaxy’s historian.
In his original vision it was The Whills whom George Lucas had journalling the events within, and presumably without, the events of his movies. Over time this concept evolved into a homage of The Hidden Fortress with R2-D2 and C-3PO filling the roles of the bickering peasants, so it’s no small wonder that this stalwart astromech has featured so heavily in the Skywalker Saga – and had so much attention from LEGO.
This latest version, which hit shelves in time for this year’s Star Wars Day (May 4th), updates the Ultimate Collector Series set (10225 R2-D2) released in 2012. It, like the most current large-scale brick-built model, was also the focus product of the May The 4th Be With You event of that year.
While there are very close similarities – such as dimensions, part count, price point and special features – between the two, the main difference is the newest iteration is not considered part of the Ultimate Collectors subtheme, but has been included in the Sculptures subtheme instead.
An explanation why LEGO made the decision to not give this almost like-for-like model (which fully conforms to the standard which LEGO has established for Ultimate Collector Series sets) the UCS badge of honor hasn’t been presented, causing long-standing fans to react in the typical fashion – with much hair-pulling, wailing and gnashing of the teeth – while the newer members of the community looked on in confusion.
75308 R2-D2
Relive classic Star Wars™ moments as you build this exceptionally detailed R2-D2 LEGO® droid figure. The brilliant new-for-May-2021 design is packed with authentic details, including a retractable mid-leg, rotating head, opening and extendable front hatches, a periscope that can be pulled up and turned, and Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber hidden in a compartment in the head.
Build and display
This cool construction model comes with a buildable display stand, featuring an information plaque, R2-D2 LEGO droid figure and an exclusive Lucasfilm 50th anniversary LEGO brick, to complete an awesome centrepiece for your home or workplace.Special gift
Part of a premium-quality collection of LEGO Star Wars building kits for adults, this set would make a wonderful gift for yourself, Star Wars fans and advanced LEGO builders.
- Build and display this fantastically detailed, new-for-May-2021, LEGO® brick model of an iconic character from the Star Wars™ saga: R2-D2 (75308).
- Authentic features include a retractable mid-leg, rotating head, opening and extendable front hatches and adjustable periscope, plus a lightsaber hidden in a compartment in the head.
- Includes a buildable display stand with an information plaque, LEGO® Star Wars™ R2-D2 LEGO droid figure and a special Lucasfilm 50th anniversary LEGO brick.
- This premium-quality set is part of a series of collectible LEGO® Star Wars™ build-to-display models.
- Offering a challenging and rewarding build, this 2,315-piece set makes an awesome birthday present, holiday gift or surprise treat for any Star Wars™ connoisseur and LEGO® Star Wars lover.
- Measuring over 12.5 in. (31 cm) high, 7.5 in. (19 cm) wide and 6 in. (15 cm) deep, this collectible, brick-built R2-D2 model makes an impressive centrepiece in a home or workplace.
- Thinking of buying this set for a Star Wars™ memorabilia collector who is new to LEGO® building? Don’t worry. It comes with clear instructions so they can tackle this complex build with confidence.
- Collectible LEGO® Star Wars™ sets for adults are designed for discerning hobbyists who enjoy DIY projects to disconnect from their day-to-day lives in a mindful, creative and fun way.
- LEGO® components meet rigorous industry standards to ensure compatibility and a simple, secure connection every time.
- LEGO® bricks and pieces are tested in almost every way imaginable to make sure that they satisfy stringent global safety standards.
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| 18+ | 2314 | 1485 | 75308 |
The striking (but definately over-sized) black box is as eyecatching as the life-size model pictured on the front is mouthwatering, and serves to contain the bags, instructions and sticker sheet, and (should you lack display space) provide storage to the partially broken down set once the build has been completed.
Predictably the build starts with the interior core – complete with an extendable center tread – which uses the same skeleton of Technic pieces that was first employed in 75187 BB-8 way back in 2017, proving you can’t keep a solid design down. While not overly axing, a certain level of concentration is required for this first section of construction, otherwise the middle leg might not function properly.
Following the chassis are the side panels and legs; the left and right sides are the models first 2x sequence of instructions, with the legs, feet and front/back panels coming next. None of these are complicated sections though the panels require a little patience to attach them.
Progress to theis point is swift, but this comes to grinding halt with the dome. Built up of layers of plates and bricks to get the curve and the height right, this final phase needs a huge amount of diligence because it’s very easy to get pieces mixed up and built out of order.
Last of all is the data plaque and stand that is common throughout the Ultimate Collector Series and Sculptures subtheme. With the decorated stand that 75306 Imperial Probe Droid came with, this year has been an inventive one for the LEGO Star Wars theme. Though not as ornate, it does boast a special brick marking the 50th anniversary of Lucasfilm.
All told, 75308 R2-D2 boasts a huge amount of detail and articulated features, and the limited feedback that this set has picked up centers on the reduced size of the lightsaber hilt and the lack of studs on the dome (which many fans felt contributed to the curvature).
The completed model boasts an extendable middle leg, jointed legs, a rotatable dome, and a slew of arms that, while not providing any functioning play features, do improve the model’s displayability.
Lacking the leg-mounted attitude jets first demonstrated in The Phantom Menace, the oil sprayer from Revenge of the Sith, the electric prod, clasper arm and cutting disc seen in Return of the Jedi and the two extendable interface arms that reside within his dome it only just falls short of being the ultimate model of this Swiss Army droid by a small margin.
But let’s be honest – at this scale it’s just not possible to squeeze everything into a LEGO model of this detail and articulation. Could it be that LEGO is saving all of these so they can produce a different R2 sculpture for each of the movies?
If you’re ready to add this model to your collection then head to LEGO.com or your nearest local branch where it is currently an exclusive and comes with a recommended price of US$199.99.
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