🚀 Big News & Rumours in the LEGO Galaxy
The $1,000 Death Star (UCS 75419) – launch imminent
This week, all eyes are on the LEGO Star Wars Death Star – Ultimate Collector Series (UCS 75419). Officially revealed earlier this month, the set packs 9,023 pieces and 38 minifigures. It’s priced at €999.99 / $999.99 and slated for full availability 4 October (with Insiders early access from 1 October). I will be at the top of the queue in Dublin’s Grafton Street store. Ahead of that, leaked builds and previews have sparked fierceness in the fandom. Some love the ambition and detail; others critique the “slice” design (i.e. not a full sphere) and heavy use of stickers.
I’ll say this again: personally, I’m very positive about this set. For me, the chance to have a canonical (if stylised) cross-section of the Death Star with multiple key rooms is irresistible. Sure, it’s expensive, and I get that some fans feel short-changed. But the level of narrative play (trash compactor, Emperor’s throne room, Leia’s cell, etc.) is a sort of LEGO storytelling showcase. I have been saving for this one.
One caveat: we’ll need to see how LEGO AFOLs and enthusiasts find it once in hands, structural robustness, instructions, and build quality will matter hugely. Also whether the price sits well with more casual fans, and the GWP.
I couldn’t resist including it here: LEGO Star Wars Death Star UCS 75419, this is the set of the week (or month) again.
Early reactions on YouTube have already started. Here’s one hands-on preview:
LEGO Acquires Discovery Centres
In one of the more business-heavy moves this week, LEGO announced it will acquire 29 indoor entertainment centres from Merlin Entertainments, for about £200 million. These centres, which include workshops, LEGO build zones, and retail spaces, will expand LEGO’s brand reach and experiential presence.
This is a smart play: more direct control over brand experience, more places to build hype in person, and deeper customer touch-points beyond pure retail.
Other launches / rumours to keep on radar
- The Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (21360) set is part of the September release wave (2025 pieces).
- New sets like Arkham Asylum (DC), Hogsmeade Village Collectors’ Edition (Harry Potter), and LEGO’s return to Pirates (Jack Sparrow / Black Pearl) are also making waves in the community.
- The shifting sentiment in the Star Wars line, more premium, more collector focus, is being debated widely in AFOL circles (especially with the “Star Wars tax” criticisms).
🏡 Redmond’s Forge LEGO Hauls
This week we were especially active in Dublin and surrounding areas, here’s a round-up of the hauls:
| Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 23 Sept | Loughlinstown | 3 big crates of LEGO, including Harry Potter – Chamber of Secrets, Bag of minifigures |
| 25 Sept | Glasnevin | 2 big crates |
| 27 Sept | Castleknock | LEGO Star Wars mash-up set |
| 27 Sept | Carrickmines (Smyths) | LEGO Formula 1 CMF packs, LEGO Star Wars sets |
| 29 Sept | Saggart | LEGO Ninjago sets |
Highlights for me: the Chamber of Secrets set from Andy is already getting pulled into the build queue, and the mix of new sealed from Smyths and second-hand hauls gives us breadth. The Ninjago buy from Saggart is especially exciting. Ninjago is getting renewed attention in the LEGO media world (see below).
We’ll be doing inventory, cleaning, and possibly reboxing across the weekend. Expect some “haul reveal” videos coming soon.
🎥 YouTube & Social Highlights
This week saw 250+ subscribers on the channel (a big milestone for us) and strong engagement on our recent uploads. Big thanks to everyone who’s supported, commented, subscribed, and shared.
We are also running our McLaren Formula 2 Giveaway this week: 20 entrants and growing. The winner will be announced next week. We’ll incorporate that build/unboxing into content soon.
Recent videos published:
| YouTube Videos |
| Detour to Dunshaughlin – The LEGO Dragon Haul at Redmond’s Forge 95 views•20 hours ago |
| How Big Is Your LEGO Collection? The LEGO Weight Challenge! Measuring the Madness at Redmond’s Forge 208 views•1 day ago |
| The €35 Treasure Our Best LEGO Haul Yet! Peppa Pig, Playgrounds, LEGO Friends and Dreams 37 views•2 days ago |
| Treasure in Bray A Surprise Lego Haul for the Forge 49 views•3 days ago |
| A Quick Country Lunchtime Haul Wicklow Wexford a Museum Tour for Nana 347 views•4 days ago |
| The Killiney Theme Park Haul: A Ride Definitely Worth Taking! 206 views•5 days ago |
| The Unexpectedly Magnificent Rathnew LEGO Collection 491 views•6 days ago |
Next week’s plan: haul videos, full review / build video of our Death Star build teasers, and a behind-the-scenes of how we sort and catalog hauls.
🌍 LEGO in the World Right Now
- The LEGO acquisition of Merlin’s discovery centres (noted above) is making headlines as a major brand play.
- In entertainment, the line between LEGO media and products continues to blur: more digital tie-ins, experiences, and brand immersion strategies are evident.
- LEGO’s direction in premium collector models (like the new Death Star) is stirring debate: is this appealing to hardcore fans or alienating casual fans? The sentiment is divided.
💬 Final Thoughts & What to Watch
This week felt like a turning point. The Death Star set looming over us is a massive statement from LEGO: bold, risky, and polarising. I lean into the bold — I love the design concept, the ambition, the narrative potential. Yes, there are criticisms, and they’re valid — but I’m curious to see how the set plays and displays in real life.
Meanwhile, our hauls are setting us up nicely for content and builds through October. Between Cardiff’s picks, stealth deals, and in-store surprises, the collection keeps growing. The community side (YouTube, giveaways) is building momentum, too.
Next week’s watchlist:
- Unboxing / build start / review of UCS 75419 Death Star
- Full build & review of our Harry Potter section and display for Redmond’s Forge
- Giveaway winner announcement + video
- Haul cataloguing and possibly a “best deals from September” guide
- Reactions from the LEGO community as the Death Star launches
