How the biggest LEGO® collaborations changed the game

How the biggest LEGO® collaborations changed the game

Since 1958, The LEGO® Group has transformed from a humble toy brick company into a global cultural icon. One of the biggest game-changers in the LEGO® journey? Licensed collaborations.

From the moment The LEGO® Group launched its first Star Wars sets in 1999, they tapped into a whole new galaxy of storytelling, fandom and creativity. The collaboration marked the beginning of an era that would see LEGO® play combine with some of the most beloved franchises on the planet – Harry Potter, Disney, Marvel, Minecraft and Stranger Things, to name a few.

These sets aren’t just about building with bricks – they’re about building worlds. They’ve helped The LEGO® Group (and fans along with them) click into whole universes where fans can build, explore and even connect with other fans.

These collaborations have ensured that LEGO® bricks are no longer just toys. They’ve become collector’s items and made LEGO® play a creative outlet for grown-ups – and The LEGO® Group a pop culture powerhouse.

The gamechangers

So, what are the most game-changing licensed LEGO® sets? The ones that have significantly influenced its success and popularity? The sets we’ve included below have not only captivated fans worldwide, but have also become iconic representations of their respective franchises…

  1. LEGO® Star Wars 75192 Millennium Falcon (2017): One of the largest LEGO® sets ever released, boasting 7541 pieces, this set proved The LEGO® Group’s commitment to creating complex, detailed builds for adults. It offers an incredibly detailed replica of the Millennium Falcon, making it a must-have for Star Wars enthusiasts and LEGO® collectors alike.
  2. LEGO® Harry Potter 71043 Hogwarts Castle (2018): With over 6000 pieces, this set offers a detailed recreation of the iconic Hogwarts Castle, including key locations like the Great Hall and Dumbledore’s office. Its release revitalised the LEGO® Harry Potter theme, appealing to both new fans and those who grew up with the series.
  3. LEGO® Star Wars 10188 Death Star (2008): Featuring multiple rooms from the Death Star, this set allowed fans to recreate various scenes from the original Star Wars trilogy. It also set a new standard for the playset style, combining display and play features in a single build.
  4. LEGO® Disney 71040 The Disney Castle (2016): Modelled after the iconic Cinderella Castle from Walt Disney World, this set captures the magic of Disney with intricate details and hidden surprises. It appealed to a broad audience, from Disney fans to LEGO® enthusiasts, and demonstrated The LEGO® Group’s ability to capture the essence of beloved landmarks (turned logos).
  5. LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes 76178 Daily Bugle (2021): Standing at over 82 centimetres tall, this set is a detailed replica of the Spider-Man Daily Bugle office building, featuring numerous Marvel characters and intricate design elements. For many, its release was a show of The LEGO® Group’s commitment to the comic book world.

Small but mighty: How licensed themes transformed LEGO® Minifigures

Licensed LEGO® sets didn’t just introduce exciting new worlds – they also revolutionised the LEGO® minifigure. In order to accurately represent characters like Yoda and Ewoks, The LEGO® Group created short, non-posable legs for its Minifigures. The 2022 collaboration with Avatar saw the return of tall legs (previously used for Pixar’s Woody in 2010), while the 2018 LEGO® Collectible Minifigures Harry Potter series introduced ‘medium legs’ – similar in stature to short legs, but with bendable knees.

Meanwhile, figures from licensed themes were also bringing in detailed facial expressions, natural skin tones, custom hairpieces and unique accessories like wands, helmets and lightsabers. These changes made minifigures more accurate, expressive and collectible than ever before – all in the name of recreating the magic of the franchises we know and love.

The upside: Creativity meets nostalgia

For fans of both the themes and LEGO® play, these partnerships were (and still are) a dream come true. You can ride the Hogwarts Express, pilot the Millennium Falcon, or even build Cinderella’s Castle, all in your living room.

The introduction of these sets rekindled childhood memories and brought families together, continuing to inspire new generations of builders.

For The LEGO® Group, the results were transformative. Licensed themes helped catapult the brand to global success, expanding its audience far beyond children. Adult fans of LEGO® (AFOLs) became a thriving community, and the resale and collector market boomed.

The downside: Pricier than ever

But let’s be honest – while these licensed sets are undeniably awesome, they’ve also become increasingly expensive. A large Star Wars or Disney set can easily set you back hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars. For fans looking to own a piece of the magic, the price tags can quickly break the spell.

This is why so many LEGO® fans have a love/hate relationship with the licensed themes. We adore the sets, the minifigs, the intricate details and ‘if you know you know’ references – but our wallets? Not so much.

The BrickResales alternative: Iconic sets, budget-friendly prices

Thankfully, there’s a smart way to have the best of both worlds. At BrickResales, we believe in keeping the joy of LEGO® accessible and affordable. Whether you’re hunting for a specific minifigure, a few rare pieces or enough bricks to rebuild an iconic licensed set, we’ve got you covered – with pre-loved and brand-new LEGO® parts that won’t break the bank.

In fact, we’ve already broken down how to recreate rare and expensive LEGO® sets without the hefty price tag in this blog post. With a bit of creativity and the right pieces, you can build your dream sets your way.

Our online store and Brisbane-based showroom in Coopers Plains are treasure troves of LEGO® parts, Minifigures and inspiration – perfect for bringing those licensed worlds to life, without overspending. We add over 50 new products to our online store every day (keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates), and our showroom has become a meeting place for LEGO® fans of all ages and skill levels.

The LEGO® Group’s licensed collaborations have no doubt changed the game – for better and for worse. But whether you’re a Harry Potter purist or a Star Wars superfan, there’s always a way to bring your favourite stories to life, brick by brick.

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