The LEGO Star Wars UCS AT-AT is one of the most anticipated vehicle launches in the line and we were there at the launch to see how fans reacted to picking up the set and meeting C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels.
On approaching the store at around 10:45pm there were about a hundred people queuing, many with friends or loved ones, and it was great to see some youngsters in the queue too. The first person in line had gotten there over forty-one hours previously at 7:30am on November 24th, showing real dedication!
We spoke to a few people in the queue and everyone seemed in relatively good spirits even though they were very cold. LEGO employees had been coming out periodically and were giving those in the line various ploybags and small gifts.
We then entered the store and spoke with some of the staff whilst we waited for Anthony Daniels. Anthony then arrived and set up, and we were given 20 minutes for an exclusive interview with the C-3PO actor. We spoke about his childhood toys, if he remembered LEGO as a child, his role in The Rise of Skywalker, voicing C-3PO in the LEGO animated specials, the first time he saw the AT-AT, and what’s next for C-3PO. The interview will be released in full on the next RADIO 1138 podcast later this week.
Anthony then went and walked the queue outside, looking splendid in a yellow sequined jacket. He was very friendly willing to pose with anyone who asked, making sure that all the youngsters in line got a photo. The UK Garrison and Rebel Legion were also on hand to pose for photos too. Back inside the store, Anthony then took group photos with the staff and teams behind the event and posed with one of the new bags created specifically to carry the AT-AT and other large LEGO sets, and some commented on how the bag was very much his colour (C-3PO yellow)!
It was then time to open the store at midnight, and Anthony walked the first few people into the store, as LEGO staff clapped them in. Having learnt from previous events, as guests entered the store they were taken upstairs to make their purchase, receive a goody bag and certificate, limited to the first 200 copies sold. After this, they came back downstairs to queue for Anthony Daniels. Due to COVID restrictions, there was no hand shaking and the staff took a socially distanced photo, and then Anthony signed a personalised photo for each AT-AT sold. From here, you showed your receipt at the front of the store, it was then stamped and you were given your new UCS AT-AT in the new large reinforced bag. The whole process took no longer than 20-30 minutes and everyone we spoke to was very happy with this new process.
We spoke to people as they left and everyone was very happy at the way the event had been run, stating it was much slicker than previous midnight events at the store. Those purchasing the AT-AT were also very happy with all the promised extras too which included Luke’s Lightsaber (#40483), Santa’s Front Yard (#40484), Creator Holiday Tree (#30576), Tatooine Homestead (#40451), Obi-Wan Kenobi 20th Anniversary minifigure (#30624), Tantive IV mini build (#6382975), Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary prints, limited edition certificate, and signed Anthony Daniels photo.
Big thanks to LEGO, Mischief PR and Anthony Daniels, and well done to all on an excellent event — bring on the next one!
Get all the details about the new LEGO Star Wars UCS AT-AT (#75313) here. Please support Jedi News by purchasing your LEGO here for the UK, USA and Canada –happy building!
