LEGO Themes That Never Happened: What Could Have Been
As much as we love the expansive LEGO universe—from iconic themes like Star Wars, Ninjago, and Technic—there’s always a “what if” in the back of an AFOL’s mind. What about the LEGO themes that never came to be? Some ideas were pitched but didn’t make it to production, while others remain a dream in the minds of the fans. Let's take a look at some imaginative and ambitious LEGO themes that, for various reasons, never happened.
Steampunk Universe
Steampunk, with its combination of Victorian aesthetics and futuristic steam-powered technology, is a theme AFOLs have long dreamed about. A LEGO steampunk world would be filled with airships, mechanical creatures, clockwork gadgets, and cities draped in a mix of iron and brass. It would be a perfect blend of sci-fi and history—imagine minifigures in goggles, top hats, and gears! While there are fan-made builds and custom sets out there, LEGO itself has never fully embraced this concept. Given its appeal, it’s surprising this theme hasn’t rolled off the production line yet. Perhaps it’s too niche, or maybe the historical side doesn’t align with LEGO's core market.
Space Marines
Before LEGO Star Wars became a dominating force, there was a lot of speculation about what kind of military sci-fi themes could come next after the original LEGO Space line. A Space Marines theme, complete with alien invasions, armored troopers, and massive spacecraft, would have been a LEGO version of space opera adventure. While LEGO has always shied away from real-world violence and modern military themes, many thought a futuristic, alien-focused setting could have skirted those concerns. However, LEGO kept a tight leash on these concepts, probably for fear of associating with the more militaristic nature of "marines."
Cyberpunk Dystopia
The world of Blade Runner and Cyberpunk 2077 has long influenced gamers and science fiction fans, but LEGO has stayed clear of the dark and gritty side of futuristic dystopias. A LEGO Cyberpunk theme would feature neon-lit cityscapes, cyber-enhanced minifigures, and sinister corporations ruling over a downtrodden population. Why has this never come to pass? It’s probably too dark for LEGO’s family-friendly image. However, the LEGO Ninjago theme often skirts close to this with some of its more futuristic elements, so perhaps it's not a total impossibility. The aesthetic and world-building possibilities are rich, but the tone may be the biggest barrier.
Medieval Fantasy
Sure, LEGO’s Castle series gave us knights, dragons, and kings, but what about an in-depth, sprawling medieval fantasy theme? Think Lord of the Rings without licensing restrictions—a full world of wizards, elves, orcs, and expansive magical lands to build. Fans have long clamored for LEGO to expand beyond the classic knights-in-castles trope and dive into more high fantasy. The Nexo Knights theme briefly tried to mix fantasy and technology, but many AFOLs felt it didn’t quite hit the medieval magic sweet spot they craved. A dedicated medieval fantasy theme would have endless potential for intricate storylines, magical creatures, and diverse architectural designs.
Jurassic Park (Pre-Jurassic World)
Before LEGO entered into a partnership with Universal for Jurassic World, fans often wondered why the original Jurassic Park never received its own theme. Imagine sets recreating the iconic park gates, the velociraptor pen, and Dr. Alan Grant's expeditions—all before the modern Jurassic World franchise took over. While we did eventually get Jurassic World sets, many fans still pine for a more faithful recreation of the original film's aesthetic. Back in the 90s, it would have been a huge hit, but licensing and timing didn’t align. If LEGO had jumped on it earlier, it might have become a classic theme.
Ancient Civilizations
A LEGO theme based on ancient cultures like Egypt, Greece, Rome, or even Mesopotamia has long been fantasized about by history-loving AFOLs. With detailed temples, intricate pyramids, colosseums, and mythological creatures, the theme would cater to those who love history and architecture. While we’ve had smaller glimpses into these eras through themes like Pharaoh’s Quest, LEGO has never fully leaned into the richness of historical mythology as a major theme. One challenge would be representing these cultures in a way that’s respectful and educational, rather than falling into stereotypes.
Pirate Space
A bizarre mashup idea floated by LEGO fans has always been the notion of Pirate Space. Yes, pirates… in space! Think Guardians of the Galaxy meets Treasure Planet, where minifigures sport laser swords and mechanical parrots while flying starships shaped like old galleons. LEGO could have really stretched their creativity here, mixing classic pirate aesthetics with futuristic technology. It’s a playful blend that could appeal to both fans of traditional Pirates and the sci-fi audience. Yet, this quirky combination never materialized, though bits of it have popped up in other themes.
LEGO Video Game Universes
With LEGO branching out into video games, why not an entire theme that embraces the most iconic gaming franchises? Sure, we’ve seen Minecraft and Overwatch, but what about the classics like Zelda, Metroid, or even a LEGO spin on Mario? While licensing is always a big hurdle, the world of video games offers endless opportunities for vibrant builds, unique characters, and interactive sets. It’s surprising that LEGO hasn’t doubled down on a more robust video game-based theme. Perhaps licensing costs are a deterrent, or they’re waiting for the right time to collaborate with more companies.
Conclusion
The LEGO universe is vast, but AFOLs love to dream about the paths not taken. Whether it's the steampunk world that never came to life, or the ancient civilizations that remain untouched, there’s plenty of potential for new themes to capture our imaginations. And who knows? Maybe one day, one of these ideas will rise from the ranks of "what could have been" to "what finally happened." Until then, we’ll keep building—and dreaming—of the sets that never were.
Build, Display, Repeat.
