It’s not often that LEGO can keep the wraps on their exclusives, and – despite being criticised for running out of stock very early into the promotion that attached these gift-with-purchases to the new 75290 Mos Eisley Cantina – even rarer that a new addition to the LEGO Star Wars theme is met with open arms and so much excitement.
Notwithstanding that its existence was kept a secret, its sudden arrival comes as a surprise to many who collect prop replicas and has got fans wondering if this is LEGO testing the water to see if scale weapons would be popular.
Having already trialled two character busts in 2019 and three buildable helmets earlier this year, LEGO has demonstrated that they are interested in what adult fans do with their sets – and this Jedi Master’s lightsaber hilt is a likely addition to the new 18+/Adult subtheme.
Carefully maintaining their stance on discouraging violence through play, LEGO has seemingly opted to enter the replica weapon market quietly with a minimally objectionable debut.
While it is as detailed a replica as is possible in the medium and has proven to be one of the most sought-after promotional gift-with-purchases ever, that it represents a weapon is a hurdle that LEGO will need to overcome – especially considering the furore caused by the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey (42113) set that got recalled last month.
Time will tell if this is opening the doors to other lightsaber hilts, but it is unlikely that LEGO will venture so far out of their comfort zone as to include guns in their repertoire – so a modified Blastech DL-44 pistol or E-11 rifle is highly unlikely.
For those, Star Wars fans can turn to the LEGO custom community where sites like Rebrickable and Build Better Bricks provide instructions and parts lists, and Ultimate Sticker Collector for highly authentic decals and display accessories.
What would you like to see in an extended prop relica subtheme? Share your ideas below.
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