Since its launch in 2014, the Lego Ideas program has been responsible for bringing some of the best fan-created LEGO sets to life. From the iconic LEGO Ghostbusters Ecto-1 to the intricate LEGO Saturn V rocket, the program has consistently delivered amazing sets that capture the imagination of enthusiasts worldwide. Back in 2021, fans of the classic 80’s flick Short Circuit were thrilled to see their favourite robot, Johnny 5, have a chance at becoming an official motorised LEGO set through the Ideas program. The design, submitted by RJ BrickBuilds, showcased incredible attention to detail and perfectly captured the essence of the inquisitive robot.
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The set featured movable arms, a rotating head, and even adjustable eyebrows to create a range of facial expressions for the beloved robot. LEGO enthusiasts worldwide eagerly supported the idea, hoping to see Johnny 5 come alive in brick form, with the idea even managing to reach the required 10,000 votes for consideration by LEGO. Sadly, despite the overwhelming support, LEGO ultimately decided not to move forward with producing the Johnny 5 set and revealed that they had chosen to move ahead with other projects instead.
This announcement was met with disappointment from fans who had eagerly anticipated the release of this iconic robot in LEGO form, with fans taking to the comments section of the platform to express their disappointment and frustration with the Danish Toy Company’s decision.
“OMG Lego! What on earth are you thinking? I thought this set was a certainty to get approved. Time to pick up a used lego technic leibherr 42100 set and build RJ Brickbuild’s Johnny 5 plans from Rebrickable…” @AdmiralStartledSkeletron
“For real Lego? Give us more than “not approved”? Why? What changes could be made? Was it licensing? Was it jealousy? Come on.” @Brammage
“FURIOUS! LEGO, what on earth were you thinking??? Riot at LEGO Land, who’s with me? I would straight up get another credit card just to buy this.” @bigKid891
Some fans even urged the creators to resubmit their design or seek other avenues to make the Johnny 5 LEGO set a reality.
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“I would love to know which of the criteria prevented this design from being rejected! I absolutely love it and very much want to build it. I am going to build his MOC on Rebrickable which is pretty cool, but this is clearly the more refined design. If ever you decide to sell the instructions for this one, I will not hesitate to snatch it up!!! I don’t know if they gave you more information as to the reason it was rejected, but if it is something that can be overcome and resubmitting is a possibility… I say do it!” @Mantigod
“I’m gutted by this. Like others in this thread, I created my account just because of this fantastic project. To think that sets for ‘Friends’ and ‘Big Bang Theory’ can get official releases and not this, it is just an absolute travesty. I too hope you resubmit this. I will definitely support it again. I would support you if you sought some other avenue to get these to the market. Until then I will dream of the day I can build one of these.” @billmerryman
“I had been waiting for months to see if LEGO would select this idea, and I was so very disappointed to see that they (very mistakenly) did not select it. RJ BrickBuilds, this is an AMAZING build, and I would highly encourage you guys to get this design out there somehow: submit a modified version to a future LEGO Ideas round, offer it on BrickLink or a similar site, or distribute the plans in some other manner. I know I would buy a kit (or plans) in a heartbeat, and I’m sure there are MANY others who feel the same way. Keep up the great work, RJ BrickBuilds :)” @Mandelbrot
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Despite the setback, the overwhelming support from fans demonstrated the strong demand for this beloved character to be included in the LEGO lineup. Hopefully, LEGO will take notice of this demand and consider creating a Johnny 5 set in the future. Fans of the beloved character need Johnny 5 to come alive and join their LEGO collections.
Would you like to see Johnny 5 immortalized in LEGO bricks?
“For real LEGO?” – Outrage Over LEGO’s Rejection of Johnny 5 Design Written by Caryn Ganess for Fortress of Solitude
