The LEGO Avatar theme is targeting a wide range of fans

The design choices of the LEGO Avatar theme are meant to attract a slightly older audience than usual, which may help convince you if you’re on the fence.  

As the new Avatar movie gets closer and closer to release, the LEGO Group has released a range of sets inspired by James Cameron’s sci-fi film franchise. The first wave of sets is (as you might expect) a tie-in to the original Avatar movie, released back in 2009. This collection of sets is suitable for both play and display – with the second wave of sets offering similar display opportunities.

Now it turns out that this displayability was a deliberate attempt to court older LEGO fans – which makes sense when we consider Avatar is unlikely to have vast numbers of child fans. In an interview with Brickset, LEGO Avatar designer Atticus Tsai-McCarthy explains this idea in more detail:

“In certain themes, like Jurassic World as one example, we are designing primarily for young kids who love dinosaurs and vehicles, whereas Avatar is intended for a slightly older demographic. This was my first experience designing for older builders and focusing on displayability was really rewarding, without losing the play value. You can play with the models, but also display them easily on a shelf and even combine them if you have several sets.

“With 75572 Jake & Neytiri’s First Banshee Flight specifically I wanted to give the two ikran a sense of movement when designing the set. I was aiming to create a frozen moment from the movie, without needing a full diorama base.”

Other points of interest in the LEGO Avatar theme are the flexible vinyl elements, which have – so far – been used for animal wings, fins and even housing. These don’t seem to have been deliberately positioned as points of interest for adult fans, but the greater detail they offer seems appealing nonetheless.

“Recreating the artistry of these creatures onscreen was very important”, says Tsai-McCarthy. “We thought it would be really nice to translate the wing shape and patterning as accurately as possible, which meant using the decorated vinyl”.

The LEGO Group is no stranger to diorama sets, with products such as 76989 Horizon Forbidden West: Tallneck and 75339 Death Star Trash Compactor Diorama straddling the line between play and display pieces. LEGO Avatar seems to be muddying that distinction a little more, and may help you justify a purchase of sets in the LEGO Avatar theme. Of course – if you’re a regular reader of Brick Fanatics ­– target audience may not have been the sticking-point here.

The complete initial wave of LEGO Avatar sets can now be picked up from LEGO.com. The second wave will be available for purchase from January 1, 2023. 

Support the work that Brick Fanatics does by purchasing your LEGO using our affiliate links.