LEGO has officially unveiled its first Wallace and Gromit-themed construction set, slated for release on October 1. The set, priced at $99.99, depicts the beloved British claymation characters in their distinctive vintage motorbike and sidecar.
This new creation joins the LEGO Ideas line, a program that allows fans to submit original set designs for consideration. Sébastien Esnault's Wallace & Gromit concept, inspired by the 90s, won the Grand Winner prize in a "90s Throwback - The Next Chapter" challenge. The official LEGO version closely resembles Esnault's original design, with refinements to the characters' facial features and the motorbike's structure.
Esnault shared in an interview that his approach to building the characters in brick form focused on using rounded LEGO elements to emulate the original claymation aesthetic. The set comprises 1038 pieces and is designated as an 18+ set, indicating a level of complexity suitable for adult builders.
The motorbike and sidecar design is faithful to the version seen in the film "A Close Shave," including its shape, color, and license plate. While the set does not appear to include the vehicle's flying capabilities featured in the movie, other details remain loyal to the source material.
Close examination of images reveals smaller, thematic details. Gromit can wear goggles, and the motorcycle's sidecar can open. Inside the sidecar, a box of orange crackers, a nod to the series' recurring motif, is visible. Additionally, a diamond is included, referencing the heist in "The Wrong Trousers."
The set offers some poseability in Wallace and Gromit's heads and arms, with Esnault noting the deliberate effort put into capturing nuanced expressions. However, the characters cannot be fully separated from their vehicle, meaning the set is not intended to function as standalone action figures.