Bert2theSpark
TS Member
I definitely think Merlin still believe in the value of homegrown IP, the current CEO has noted the positivity for Wicker Man previously.
When it comes to the Lego parks, and haven given it some thought, I’m kind of surprised Legoland haven’t embraced third-party IPs more heavily. Most Lego sets today beyond have some type of third-party IP attached, and that’s very much part of the appeal of modern Lego. It enables people to have a more comprehensive experience with their favourite IPs and get something physical at the end of that building experience.
Potter was one of the earlier IP sets (if I recall correctly), so this is one of the safest bets they could make. Also from that announcement yesterday, I’m guessing the Lego Harry Potter area will take a lot of inspiration from the games, as I heard the sound effects from the Lego games within the announcement (it’s a particularly nostalgic sound to me!).
The Lego games often have the focal points and more detailed parts of the games as Lego builds and pieces, but stuff like the wider landscape and environment designed with a more naturalistic ‘real’ landscape. Lending itself well to a theme park environment.
I can’t see them signing a deal with WBD for just Legoland Germany, and I’m guessing the HP rights might be a bit more messy on continents where there’s a Studio Tour/Universal Park. But it really wouldn’t surprise me if this is the beginning of a more comprehensive IP partnership between WBD and Merlin. Lego Batman particularly comes to mind, and a more fantastical Batman film from James Gunn’s DC is due in 2028 onwards.
When it comes to the Lego parks, and haven given it some thought, I’m kind of surprised Legoland haven’t embraced third-party IPs more heavily. Most Lego sets today beyond have some type of third-party IP attached, and that’s very much part of the appeal of modern Lego. It enables people to have a more comprehensive experience with their favourite IPs and get something physical at the end of that building experience.
Potter was one of the earlier IP sets (if I recall correctly), so this is one of the safest bets they could make. Also from that announcement yesterday, I’m guessing the Lego Harry Potter area will take a lot of inspiration from the games, as I heard the sound effects from the Lego games within the announcement (it’s a particularly nostalgic sound to me!).
The Lego games often have the focal points and more detailed parts of the games as Lego builds and pieces, but stuff like the wider landscape and environment designed with a more naturalistic ‘real’ landscape. Lending itself well to a theme park environment.
I can’t see them signing a deal with WBD for just Legoland Germany, and I’m guessing the HP rights might be a bit more messy on continents where there’s a Studio Tour/Universal Park. But it really wouldn’t surprise me if this is the beginning of a more comprehensive IP partnership between WBD and Merlin. Lego Batman particularly comes to mind, and a more fantastical Batman film from James Gunn’s DC is due in 2028 onwards.
