LEGO codename Orange theme identity revealed

The identity of the rumoured LEGO theme codenamed ‘Orange’ has apparently surfaced online, strengthening suspicions that LEGO Avatar has been axed.

Four product numbers that followed the LEGO Avatar range sequentially popped up on price comparison site brickmerge in 2023, suggesting that the theme would continue in 2024 – independently of any silver-screen releases. (Avatar 3 is not due in cinemas until December 2025.) Reports then dropped earlier this week that the numbers actually belong to a new theme, initially codenamed ‘Orange’.

Previous codenames for LEGO themes include ‘Lemon’ and ‘Coconut’ for Sonic the Hedgehog and Avatar respectively, implying little connection between their working title and their actual identity. So ‘Orange’ didn’t give us a lot to go on: but Instagram user maxbautde now claims sets numbered 75580 through 75583, which follow on from 75579 Payakan the Tulkun & Crabsuit, will be part of a new LEGO Despicable Me 4 range.

The next entry in the Despicable Me series is scheduled to debut in cinemas in July, while the LEGO sets – which are said to be accompanied by a polybag – will apparently arrive in May. So the timing works, and the LEGO Group also has precedent with this franchise following its brief foray into Minions territory for The Rise of Gru. That range dropped in 2021, which – thanks to multiple pandemic-prompted delays to the movie – didn’t line up quite as well with its source material.

The LEGO Group will be hoping Despicable Me 4 hits its current premiere date, then – at least if this line-up really does exist. An image of a Smyths Toys advert also posted by maxbautde suggests that’s the case, but the provenance of that flyer is not accounted for, so best to still take any rumours of LEGO Despicable Me 4 sets with a grain of salt for now.

If they are on the cards for May, these sets will include bigger and more expensive products than were ever released for Minions: The Rise of Gru, topping out at an 868-piece model for €99.99. Check out all five rumoured LEGO Despicable Me 4 2024 sets in the table below.