Lego’s new R2-D2 build is the droid you’re looking for

Looking for a unique way to celebrate May the Fourth this year and LucasFilm’s 50th Anniversary? Lego has just released a new buildable R2-D2 set, the most wanted droid of the galaxy from the Star Wars films.

The 75308 R2-D2 set, which was launched online and in stores last Saturday (May 1), is reportedly the biggest and most accurate Lego model of the astromech droid yet.

According to official specs, the 2021 R2-D2 model has a height of 13” (31 cm), base of 8” (20 cm) and diameter of 6” (15 cm). It comes with 2,314 pieces and is recommended FOR adult fans of Lego aged 18+. While the size is clearly bigger than a child’s toy or set, the overall build is ideal for display in an office or bookshelf.

The 2021 model is roughly the same in terms of physical size, about a foot tall, and piece count compared to 2013’s model which had 2,127 pieces.

Need a companion to celebrate #MayThe4thBeWithYou? Meet the most wanted droid of the galaxy - https://t.co/9kiJNAHw2l pic.twitter.com/Uq9JsACVn1

— LEGO (@LEGO_Group) April 21, 2021

As reported by BrickFanatics, the latest R2-D2 construction set does away with the exposed studs on the blocky head of the original for a smoother look. Lego also rounded the body of the droid to make Artoo appear more cylindrical and improved the detail on R2’s “face” for a more screen-accurate look.

In a behind-the-scenes look at the build, the Star Wars blog notes that R2-D2 has a rotating dome and an ingeniously deisgned middle leg frame. The droid's body even has extendable tools and several hidden gadgets. It can store Luke’s lightsaber hilt, calling back to one of the saga’s most memorable moments in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. 

Acording to Chris Gollaher, director of product design at Lucasfilm, the character of R2-D2 was picked as an obvious choice for Lego because not only does it offer a great building experience, but the beloved droid also represents "all aspects of Lucasfilm’s incredible history of storytelling."

“Not only has he appeared in all episodes of the Star Wars saga, but he’s been a key character in animation from the early Droids cartoons to The Clone Wars and [Star Wars] Rebels, and most recently has made one of the most amazing cameos ever in Season 2 of The Mandalorian. Add in numerous games, books, comics, and even a key role in Star Tours, and I don’t think any character personifies 50 years of great storytelling quite like Artoo,” said Gollaher.

We have 5 behind-the-bricks secrets of the brand-new R2-D2 from LEGO: https://t.co/zFSH986kAn pic.twitter.com/qI3UPrAAcF

— Star Wars (@starwars) April 24, 2021

The build also comes with a new printed 50th Anniversary Lucasfilm brick on the display stand, and an R2-D2 Minifigure.

The Lego Artoo set is retailing internationally for about $200. For May the Fourth, purchases of Star Wars Lego over $85 also come with a Free collectible Tatooine Homestead micro-build inspired by Star Wars: A New Hope, for a limited time or until supplies last.

In the Philippines, the R2-D2 set is exclusively available on its official online store bankeebricks.ph and LEGO Certified Stores from May 1, 2021. The set is currently priced locally at P11,399.76, but is already listed "out of stock" as of this writing.

Star Wars fans can also explore the rest of the Lego Star Wars Galaxy through other builds including the Darth Vader helmet, Storm Trooper helmet, Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter, and more.

(Images via Lego/Star Wars)