Fans of LEGO and Studio Ghibli may be closer than ever to seeing their crossover dreams realized. Four fan-designed LEGO sets inspired by the beloved Japanese animation studio are currently in contention for official production. These submissions are part of the LEGO Ideas program, where community-created designs that garner sufficient support can be evaluated for potential release as actual LEGO products.
For years, the LEGO Ideas platform has seen a consistent stream of Studio Ghibli-themed builds. While none have yet been selected for official release, the current review stage offers a promising outlook. The first round of LEGO Ideas for 2026, announced in May, includes four Studio Ghibli sets that have advanced to the review process. These fan-made models (MOCs) have the potential to become the first official LEGO sets based on the Studio Ghibli franchise.
The Licensing Hurdle
The primary obstacle for many LEGO Ideas, especially those tied to established intellectual properties, often lies in securing licensing rights. While LEGO frequently collaborates with major corporations like The Walt Disney Company for Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney-branded sets, obtaining rights for Studio Ghibli would require a direct agreement with the studio itself.
If LEGO were to successfully negotiate a licensing deal, potentially through existing partners such as Disney, Nintendo, Warner Bros., or Netflix, it is plausible that many of the previously submitted Ghibli concepts could have already become products. The current situation suggests that while a deal is not guaranteed, the path to securing the necessary approvals may be less complex than anticipated.
The presence of four distinct Studio Ghibli sets in the current review phase is a strong indicator that an official collaboration is a distinct possibility. While Ghibli-themed submissions have reached this stage before, including a "Spirited Away" concept, the fact that two of the current contenders are specifically tied to the franchise's 40th anniversary adds a notable layer of potential timeliness to these proposals.