Star Wars is not just a piece of cinematic history; it is a religion. From the rebellion trying to escape the clutches of the Dark Force and the Empire to iconic characters leading both sides, the epic space opera has given fans a truly mesmerizing thrill spanning 12 movies and over two dozen TV shows. But let’s be honest, only the original trilogy is worthy of our time, while the prequel trilogy is tolerable; the rest are just there. Or am I alone in feeling so? Regardless, the Dark Side never appealed to me; however, I do admire the God complex that the Death Star gave to Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader. The first time I saw the Death Star, I thought, “Man, that is a cool thing,” and how awesome would it be to have it?
Someone at LEGO had a similar dream. For Star Wars nuts like me, LEGO has launched Star Wars Death Star – Ultimate Collector Series (75419) – and I feel my dream of owning a Death Star is within my grasp, but at a hefty price tag. Although not spherical, this fully armed and operational battle station diorama will set me and fellow rebels $1,000 back. Yeah, I know, that is a lot, but it is meant for true collectors. Cue the Imperial March music.
The gigantic Death Star diorama clocks in at 9,023 pieces to materialize into a 30-inch-wide, 10-inch-deep disc with 38 minifigures, including Han, Luke, Leia, Vader, Palpatine, Obi-Wan, Chewbacca, my favorite droid and humanoid duo R2D2 and C-3PO, six Stormtroopers, and so many others (might have to go rewatch the trilogies tonight to pinpoint who else is here).
This model is based on the episodes from A New Hope and Return of the Jedi. You can find the familiar scenes, including Princess Leia’s detention block, the trash compactor, the tractor beam power generator (which sticks out like a sore thumb), the meeting room for Imperial command, the Emperor’s throne room, with Luke and Vader fighting, a functional elevator, and the battery control for the Death Star’s main laser. I am going to have so much fun enacting my favorite scenes.
Oh, and the new Death Star comes with a whopping 38 minifigures, which makes re-enactment even more fun. If you ever saw the 2016 set, it had less than half of what the new set has to offer, making it such a sensory treat. You get Luke and Han (both in regular forms and disguised as Stormtroopers). The prime candidates of the Dark Force, the Emperor and Vader, are also included. If we are going by the original trilogy, of course, Leia, Chewie, 3PO, and R2D2 have to be there.
Other than that, you will also get Sim Aloo (one of the Emperor’s advisors from Return of the Jedi), Admiral Motti, General Tagge, and Admiral Yularen from A New Hope’s meeting scene. A Hot Tub trooper, inspired by the Easter egg from the LEGO Star Wars games, is also included. The brick set is also graced with two Rogue One figures, Galen Erso and Orson Krennic, representing their vital part in building the first Death Star.
I like that there is also a small meditation room for Vader, which is based on the one aboard the Executor in The Empire Strikes Back. The hanger size is decent and even includes a buildable Imperial shuttle. The best part, however, is that all the floors are connected with a series of lifts that have sliding doors. I can practically see a fake prisoner transfer happening here.
Now there are a couple of things that might deter you: the set is not spherical, which is a bummer for me, too, and the staggering price tag. But I will tell you why this LEGO Death Star set is worth every penny. You can display it proudly, which would be a hassle with the original shape, and it gives us a butt-load of minifigures, the most there is. Sure, the price tag stings a little, but just imagine the entertainment you’ll have building it. I don’t know about you, but I already feel the pull of the Dark Side with a touch of fun.
The $1,000 LEGO Star Wars Death Star Ultimate Collector Series set will be available for early access starting October 1, 2025, with availability in stores beginning October 4, 2025. So loosen your purse string a little, Luke. Han wants a Death Star.
