During the recent Star Wars Celebration in Japan, Hasbro unveiled its upcoming summer toyline offerings from the Star Wars universe. The announcements showcased a mix of fan-favorite deep cuts and innovative twists on classic characters, reminding both Hasbro and enthusiasts of the enjoyable nature of action figure collecting.
The timing of the event coincided perfectly with ongoing discussions about Hasbro’s toy selections and concerns about U.S. trade uncertainties affecting collectors. These reveals served as a positive reminder of the passion driving the hobby. In light of these discussions, Hasbro’s Star Wars team members, Chris Reiff and Jing Houle, spoke with io9 on the show floor in Tokyo about the new releases and the company’s strategies in response to U.S. tariffs.
Jing Houle explained that the team is now embracing a more expansive and creative approach, drawing from diverse sources within the Star Wars universe, including the Expanded Universe (EU). This shift is influenced by fan requests for EU characters, as well as the team’s desire to explore a wide array of content, from new shows to nostalgic elements and deeper cuts.
Discussing the process behind the creation of the Dash character figure, Chris Reiff described an effort to amalgamate various interpretations from different sources, such as comics and games, into a single, definitive depiction. The talented team, including designer Eric Franer and sculptor Tom Rego, worked meticulously to blend these influences and create a unique and realistic portrayal.
Reiff also mentioned the potential for future explorations of different EU areas, emphasizing that various spaces are open for consideration. The classic material, especially around anniversaries, presents an ideal opportunity to revisit cherished ideas and characters.
With regards to concerns over the discontinuation of certain series like “The Acolyte,” Jing Houle acknowledged that fan interest remains high, and Hasbro remains open to revisiting beloved characters despite changes in series production status. The team is keenly aware of popular characters, suggesting that they might be included in future releases.
On the topic of U.S. tariffs, Reiff noted that the situation’s fluidity is being monitored by the company, and while these decisions are made at higher levels, Hasbro remains committed to its existing plans and will navigate these challenges alongside collectors.
In a lighthearted moment, the discussion turned to the inclusion of Turgle in the latest Jedi pack. Houle highlighted a collaborative and enthusiastic process driven by passionate team members like Eric Franer and Tom Rego, who advocated for characters that add fun and diversity to the Star Wars universe. Reiff affirmed that the broad spectrum of characters, from Turgles to Darth Vaders, reflects the richness of the galaxy’s storytelling possibilities.
