We have LEGO designers to thank for 10327 Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter

The lead designer of 10327 Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter has revealed the unorthodox origins of the latest LEGO Icons set, created in direct response to the 2021 movie.

10327 Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter is the first-ever LEGO set inspired directly by Frank Herbert’s sci-fi stories – but is more specifically based on director Denis Villeneuve’s ongoing adaptation of the franchise, which kicked off in 2021 and is due to continue in 2024 with Dune: Part Two. And it was the first of those films that proved the catalyst for the set’s conception.

“Right after we saw the movie for the first time, back in September 2021, a group of other designers and I were like, ‘I wonder if we can make one of those Ornithopters in LEGO bricks?’” says LEGO designer Mike Psiaki, presenting 10327 Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter to Brick Fanatics and other LEGO Fan Media. “They’re actually my favourite part of the whole Dune universe.”

That’s a relatively non-traditional way for LEGO sets to take shape: the company’s higher-ups typically decide on new licences and partnerships, and then designers work from briefs. But there are exceptions, such as 2021’s 76178 Daily Bugle, which designer Mark Stafford pitched to the company after working up a prototype model. 10327 Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter now joins that rare collection of designer-led LEGO sets.

“I remember reading the book just wondering, ‘What do these things look like?’” Mike adds. “And the way that they’re executed in the movie, I just think is incredible. We’re trying to be as faithful to what we saw in the movie [as we can].”

The real test of that authenticity comes in 10327 Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter’s functions, which are integral to capturing the way the bug-like vehicle moves on-screen. And that presented an altogether different challenge for Mike, whose most recent credits include 10316 The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell, 10315 Tranquil Garden and 10311 Orchid – none of which are what you’d call heavy on functionality.

“This is a little bit different than anything I’ve worked on before,” Mike confirms. “It’s very high on the functionality. We actually started making this model working on the functions.” The dragonfly-inspired design of the vehicle is captured with functional blades that can flap, fold, retract and rotate across 180 degrees. But that’s not the best bit… at least according to the designer.

“For me, the coolest feature of all is actually the landing legs,” he says. “As you turn this [knob], they all fold up together, and then I can go flying around.” Mike then demonstrates (unfortunately without requisite swooshing sounds), as you can see by hitting play on the video below.

10327 Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter launches February 1, 2024 for £149.99 / $164.99 / €164.99 and is available to pre-order now. Click here for more on the newest LEGO Icons set.

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