Like Star Wars: The Force Awakens before it, this year’s Star Wars Rogue One will be supported by a line of merchandise that includes toys. These were announced recently in a really cool way.
Lucasfilm and creative firm Tongal worked with Star Wars fans on a series of stop-motion shorts that show off the toys, which come from companies like Lego, Funko, Mattel, and Jakks Pacific. The first of these videos can be seen below. Ben Mendelsohn’s Director Oron Krennic looks a little less menacing in Pop Vinyl form…
New installments in the stop-motion series will debut throughout September, Lucasfilm said in a post on the Star Wars website.
“I’ve been a Star Wars fan my whole life so this is a dream project,” Tongal co-founder James DeJulio said in a statement. “It’s been amazing to see what an inspiration Star Wars has been to so many members of our creative community, whether that’s coming up with their own Star Wars storylines, or playing out scenes with Star Wars toys at home with their kids.”
Preorders for some Rogue One toys will open on September 2 at retailers worldwide, including Disney Stores and online. All of the toys are expected to be available globally on September 30.
Additionally, Lucasfilm has announced a contest where fans can send in their own Rogue One-inspired videos, which will then be judged by a panel that includes director Gareth Edwards. One grand prize winner will be flown to San Francisco to tour Lucasfilm and see Rogue One before everyone else. The full contest rules can be seen here.
Rogue One comes to theaters on December 16.