It’s no surprise that the world we live in is vastly different to how it once was. COVID-19 has affected many things, including the film industry. Local restrictions have seen many cinema’s closed and as a result, multiple blockbuster movies have seen their release window changed or moved digital platforms. This has had a direct effect on the world of LEGO®. Many sets are based on popular movie franchises and often see the sets released a little before or around the same time as the cinema release of said films. With news that the second Minions film has now been pushed into 2022, I thought it would be a good idea to see just how the impact on the film industry has also affected the release of LEGO sets.
LEGO Trolls World Tour
Sets Released: January 2020 | Planned Cinema Release: March 2020 | Film Released: April 2020
The first casualty of the delayed movie releases was the Trolls World Tour theme. This was part of a couple of new licenses based on Universal Pictures animated movies. The Trolls World Tours sets were released in January 2020, with the film set to hit cinemas in March. Although the film did arrive in some cinemas, Universal choose to focus on a home rental premiere route instead. This proved to be rather successful so the LEGO sets didn’t suffer a loss of coverage from the film’s release. LEGO Trolls World Tour sets are available now.
LEGO DC Super Heroes Wonder Woman 1984
Sets Released: April 2020 | Planned Cinema Release: June 2020 | Film Released: December 2020/January 2021
The Wonder Woman sequel saw the movie’s action move to the 80s, with a single set based on the movie released in April 2020. The Wonder Woman vs Cheetah set was released as planned but the movie, which had already suffered a few delays, was pushed back until Christmas 2020. It opened as planned, in a very limited number of cinemas, mainly in the US, with a premium digital released on HBO Max at the same time. It hit other markets earlier this year. Wonder Woman vs Cheetah set is available now.
LEGO Marvel Black Widow
Sets Released: March 2020 | Planned Cinema Release: May 2020 | Film Releasing: TBA
After the epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga, the MCU would be back with a bang as Black Widow got to star in her own adventure. The Black Widow’s Helicopter Chase set arrived in March, with the film set to hit the big screen a couple of months later. With most cinemas closed, Disney decided to delay the film’s release, the current release date is slated for May this year and could see the film released on Disney+ Premier Access at the same time. Black Widow’s Helicopter Chase is available now.
LEGO Minions: The Rise of Gru
Sets Released: March 2020 | Planned Cinema Release: July 2020 | Film Releasing: July 2022
The Minions sets were another brand new theme for the LEGO Group. With five playsets revealed based on the second Minions film. They were all planned for release in March 2020, instead only two of the sets were released with the other held back until this Summer. It was also rumoured that a couple of BrickHeadz sets based on the film would join the delayed sets. However, the film has now been pushed back to 2022 so it’s unknown when the delayed sets will ever appear. Two of the LEGO Minions sets are available now.
LEGO Technic Fast & Furious
Sets Released: April 2020 | Planned Cinema Release: May 2020 | Film Releasing: July 2022
The Fast and Furious franchise has been amazingly popular with the 9th instalment originally set to hit cinemas in May last year. The very first Technic set based on the franchise would arrive ahead of the films original release, before that was shifted to April this year. It’s since been pushed back again until 2022. Unlike the other sets and themes affected by delayed movie releases, Dom’s Dodge Charger isn’t inspired by a single movie. Dom’s Dodge Charger is available now.
LEGO Ghostbusters
Sets Released: November 2020 | Planned Cinema Release: July 2020 | Film Releasing: June 2021
Last year was meant to see the return of the Ghostbusters, with a direct sequel to the original films called Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The teaser trailer of the movie featured a familiar looking car, with the ECTO-1 also being the inspiration for a new LEGO set. Although the initial release date of the film and LEGO set were a little different, with the set arriving after the film’s original release date, it’s possible the set was also partly delayed to better suit the March 2021 release. Although based on a yet to be released film, ECTO-1 is an iconic vehicle with an established fan base. ECTO-1 is available now.
