With the LEGO Group celebrating its 90th Anniversary this year, the LEGO® Design Team has delved into the LEGO Vault for inspiration for a number of new sets. But the Galaxy Explorer, Lion Knights’ Castle and Forest Hideout GWP aren’t the first time classic LEGO sets and themes have inspired other LEGO sets. Here are just some of the other sets released over the last few years which have reimagined the early days of LEGO play.
Classic Space
Space-themed LEGO sets were first released in the late 70s with the ‘Classic’ era lasting until the late 80s. In recent years the much-loved themed has returned in a number of different ways including promotional sets and a starring role in The LEGO Movie and its sequel. Here are a few of the takes on Classic Space.
The LEGO Movie reignited the love of Classic Space with the introduction of spaceship-loving Benny. The character was inspired by The LEGO Movie directing duo’s childhood toys and the infamous broken chin strap, which plagued the early LEGO Space folk. One of the biggest sets to come from The LEGO Movie theme was aptly named Benny’s spaceship, Spaceship, SPACESHIP! Until the recently released Galaxy Explorer, The LEGO Movie Spaceship was the closest fans got to a full-blown return of the theme.
The LEGO Movie sequel continued the Classic Space nostalgia with the Space Squad set. This wasn’t focused on recreating a classic set but on expanding the Classic Space astronaut core. Fans have been expanding the Space Squad for a few years, with other sets and collectable minifigures helping whenever a Classic Space torso was introduced. This pack added a pink Astronaut to the line-up.
Classic Castle
Just as Classic Space has a huge fan base so does another of the original LEGO themes – Castle. The very first LEGO castle has become an iconic symbol of LEGO history, thanks to its unique yellow walls. But it would be some of the later sets which truly connected with fans. The recently released Lion Knights’ Castle is inspired by the King’s Castle set released in the 80s and was the very first LEGO set I ever owned. Castle has evolved over the years with fringe themes such as the buildable figures of Knights’ Kingdom, a strange ninja-focused wave of sets and of course, the most recent take being the tech-fuelled kingdom of the NEXO KNIGHTS.
In 2013, the Castle theme celebrated its 35th anniversary with a couple of new sets inspired by those released in the late 70s and early 80s. One of those new sets was a reimagining of the King’s Castle, which had a similar layout to the 1984 version but was more detailed and included modern-day elements and build techniques.
The LEGO Movie would once again be the source of some LEGO nostalgia with the mash-up set Castle Cavalry. As the movie concludes the residents of various LEGO realms join forces to take on Lord Business and his Micro Managers. One of the fleets of craft seen during this moment was a castle-themed ship, piloted by the Lion Knights.
The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 theme has become the source of some modern-day takes on classic themes. Last year the theme gave us the Medieval Castle. This was heavily inspired by the early LEGO Castles and even featured the Black Falcon knights.
LEGO Pirates
The sea-faring LEGO Pirates play an important role in LEGO history. The theme introduced many firsts, such as different faces, animals and different body parts such as peg legs and hand hooks. The LEGO Pirates have been drifting in and out of favour over the years and have returned via a wide range of other themes.
In 2015 the LEGO Pirates theme hit the big 25 and to mark the occasion, a new ship set sail, which was named by a LEGO fan. The Brick Bounty was a love letter to the classic era of LEGO Pirates. With a band of motley pirates and blue coat soldiers. The set was a fun mix of new build styles but with a classic look.
As with Castle, the Creator 3-in-1 theme also sought inspiration from classic themes with the Pirate Roller Coaster. As well as a coaster, the set had two alternate pirate-themed builds. In fact, the set was so popular it inspired future sets to reimagine classic themes.
LEGO Ideas is filled with projects created by LEGO fans’ love of their childhood themes. One of the most obvious of those fan builds not only managed to get 10,000 votes but also became a LEGO Ideas set. The Pirates of Barracuda Bay is the perfect example of when classics return. It took direct inspiration from older Pirates sets and even allowed you to build a galleon ship with parts of the set.
These are only a few examples of how past LEGO sets and themes have inspired new sets. LEGO Designers often slip Easter Eggs from bygone sets and themes into their sets. We’ve also seen sets like the Medieval Blacksmith and EXO Suit from LEGO Ideas and the Creator 3-in-1 Viking Boat all having been inspired by older LEGO themes. Let’s not forget the recently released Galaxy Explorer and Lion Knights’ Castle have their feet firmly in the past and both sets are available right.
