Review: 75326 Boba Fett's Throne Room
Posted by CapnRex101,
The Mandalorian season two revealed Jabba the Hutt's successor, with Bib Fortuna managing his former employer's imposing palace and criminal enterprises. However, the abrupt return of Boba Fett quickly ended Fortuna's control, as Fett and Fennec Shand deposed the Twi'lek.
75326 Boba Fett's Throne Room represents this scene successfully, capturing fantastic detail from the onscreen location. The majestic throne looks impressive in particular, although the minifigure selection is certainly the highlight and includes various surprisingly obscure characters, which have perhaps exceeded expectations.
Summary
75326 Boba Fett's Throne Room, 732 pieces.
£89.99 / $99.99 / €99.99 | 12.3p/13.7c/13.7c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
This set includes excellent detail and minifigures, overshadowed by an expensive price.
- Superior minifigure selection
- Extensive detail around throne
- Ingenious integration of functions
- Bland exterior
- Expensive
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
75312 Boba Fett's Starship introduced an updated Boba Fett minifigure, following repairs to his formerly damaged armour. The decoration looks absolutely outstanding, extending beyond the standard torso and legs to encompass both arms. I love the flame yellowish orange shoulder and knee protectors, since they both contrast beautifully against Fett's otherwise dark clothing.
The sand green helmet provoked criticism when this minifigure appeared before because the onscreen helmet colour matches the chest armour. However, I think LEGO's dark green shade would appear too dark, so can understand the decision. The head underneath features accurate scarring, while Fennec Shand presents two smiling expressions. Her cunning smirk seems especially suitable for the bounty hunter.
Unfortunately, Fennec's helmet is missing, having previously appeared in 75315 Imperial Light Cruiser. That omission is disappointing, but the hair element looks reasonable, considering it was originally developed for another character. The printed arms and intricate metallic silver armour are my favourite features though, alongside orange accents which reflect the original costume.
Bib Fortuna returns during the final scene of The Mandalorian season two, controlling Jabba's criminal empire. The character's gluttony is obvious and the lekku element has therefore been updated following his previous minifigure appearance in 9516 Jabba's Palace. This compares favourably with the source material, wrapping around the head and torso.
The alternative face remains partially exposed at the rear, which looks awkward. However, this printing could easily be mistaken for wrinkles and including a second expression was certainly worthwhile, since Fortuna's concerned face looks excellent! His standard expression captures authentic personality as well, appearing nervous and presumably aware of his tenuous grip on power.
This minifigure features familiar dark blue and black colours, although his clothing has become more elaborate since Return of the Jedi. The layered texture on the jacket looks very effective, while various metallic silver highlights and straps decorate the dark blue shirt underneath. Bib Fortuna carries a simple staff, originally inspired by an accessory from the Kenner action figure that finally appeared onscreen during The Mandalorian.
New alien species have emerged periodically across the LEGO Star Wars range and two are present here! The stunning Theelin Dancer appears in the shadows behind Bib Fortuna and resembles Rystáll Sant, originating from Return of the Jedi. The distinctive pattern on her skin looks nice, although I think a smiling expression would have suited the character. This pink hair piece is also imperfect, but the dancer does not necessarily warrant a new mould.
The accompanying Quarren was perhaps the most prevalent Star Wars alien species without minifigure representation, until now. This rubbery head features the tentacles and pronounced ears which distinguish the species, with printed wrinkles and teeth. I think it looks fantastic and hope further colours will appear in future, portraying other Quarren. The sharp contrast between the torso and legs is awkward though, despite the costume's accuracy.
Nearly ten years have passed since 9516 Jabba's Palace was produced, featuring an updated Gamorrean Guard. That minifigure was considered exceptional at the time of its release, so I am pleased that the same head and torso component is used on this occasion. The face and textured shoulder armour remains almost identical, while the torso displays some additional metallic silver accents.
Moreover, the predominantly olive green legs which appeared before are now reddish brown, with skin showing on the feet and knees. The resulting design improves upon its predecessor, but relatively few adjustments were actually needed! The Weequay Guard appears simple by comparison, consisting entirely of standard minifigure elements.
Nevertheless, the wrinkled head looks marvellous and I like the continued braids between the head and torso, despite the noticeable gap between these designs. Like the Theelin Dancer, a new element may have been ideal, but I understand keeping such production slots available for more important characters. As usual, the Gamorrean Guard carries an axe, while his Weequay counterpart includes a blaster rifle.
The Completed Model
LEGO has established fairly consistent design preferences for buildings on Tatooine and 75326 Boba Fett's Throne Room adheres to those trends. The model comprises three sections which are linked using hinges, recalling 75052 Mos Eisley Cantina. This arrangement looks splendid and offers easy access for standing minifigures inside, while also reaching an impressive width of 36cm for display.
The exterior appears particularly reminiscent of 9516 Jabba's Palace, employing similar stacked slopes to form the characteristic curvature of B'omarr architecture. The blending of tan and dark tan colours looks good, but I am disappointed that no significant improvements were made over the previous model. For instance, perhaps these slopes could have been connected using hinge plates, creating a smoother curve.
Additionally, the absence of the distinctive roof seems odd, although I wonder whether another model might be intended to attach above this one. That possibility will be discussed later in this review. Otherwise, the smaller section attached on the side more closely resembles buildings in Mos Eisley than the palace, but presents some nice textured details.
Perhaps the most important feature of the exterior is the entrance, since that occupies the most screen time. While inevitably small, the arched doorway approximates the original location and the door inside looks excellent, combining reddish brown and dark brown parts to lovely effect. As usual, the gatekeeper droid is integrated with the door and includes a printed photoreceptor which can extend or retract, but not disappear inside.
The door slides upwards on rails, as demonstrated below. While a geared mechanism would have been welcome, this simple design works nicely and the door remains open using friction alone. However, you could extend the gatekeeper droid to rest on the balcony above if required. The twin laser cannons above the entranceway are mounted using a ball joint, ensuring a wide field of fire.
Visitors to the throne room descend a short flight of steps and those are included inside, even though their distance from the entrance is obviously shortened. The console beside the steps looks great and I appreciate the subtle function here, as turning the external gear causes this staircase to tip, dislodging any minifigures standing guard. The room above the entrance is tiny, but there is just enough space for a lookout and their macrobinoculars.
Unlike the aforementioned 75052 Mos Eisley Cantina and other Tatooinian sets, this building cannot close completely. Instead, the sections on either flank fold inwards to approximate the shape of the original audience chamber. I am not convinced that was necessary, even though the steps are correctly positioned in relation to the throne.
Of course, the throne and its surroundings are paramount and the designer has accordingly focused attention here. The muted colours are interrupted by splashes of dark red and flame yellowish orange which look brilliant, while stickers are used sparingly to form engraved detail. The two stickers applied above the throne are separated slightly in the instruction manual and official images, but they look better when joined, in my opinion.
Four additional stickers adorn the throne, forming decorative Rancor heads on both armrests and Ur-Kittât letters across the back. They correspond precisely with the onscreen throne and can be transliterated to read 'Boba Fett', mirrored on each side. The dais provides ample room for minifigures to stand beside the throne and could be adapted for Jabba the Hutt, if you wish.
The unusual proportions of minifigures sometimes introduce issues and this throne is certainly oversized. However, the throne comfortably accommodates Bib Fortuna's lekku or Boba Fett's jetpack, while also including a lever to dislodge Fortuna from his seat of power. I think the dark bluish grey 8x8 grille plate could have been omitted, but this does provide connection points for minifigures standing before the throne.
Grilles are also found on the ceiling, matching those from the audience chamber during Return of the Jedi and The Mandalorian. Such accurate details are satisfying, even though they hardly illuminate the interior. Light bluish grey 1x2 plates with click hinges are attached on the roof too, potentially hinting at future expansions for the palace. A smaller set containing Boba Fett's bacta tank alongside Fett and Black Krrsantan could prove exciting!
The whole dais is removable, revealing storage for accessories underneath. These include a pair of blasters and pearl dark grey 1x2 ingots, presumably representing beskar. Such details are welcome, but I think there was the potential to include a hidden reference here, perhaps to prior events in the palace or a character without LEGO representation.
Removing the dais also provides a better view of the area behind the throne, including a large roasting spit. Fortunately, this is also accessible by opening the building to reveal the extent of interior detail. The light fixtures, decorative arch and other furnishings look perfect in relation to the shadowy space presented during The Mandalorian.
The smallest section is also the simplest, containing a small table and two chairs. This alcove could easily be mistaken for part of the Mos Eisley Cantina, although the audience chamber is surrounded by dingy alcoves onscreen, so its presence is fitting. There is enough space for two minifigures to sit inside and the barrel on the roof contains a pair of printed thermal detonators.
Overall
75326 Boba Fett's Throne Room strikes an appealing balance between detail and play value, including some enjoyable functions alongside fantastic detail. The throne and its surroundings appear especially accurate. However, incorporating such complex detail has restricted the size of this model, which costs £89.99, $99.99 or €99.99 and feels accordingly expensive.
Furthermore, I think there was potential to introduce greater improvements over 9516 Jabba's Palace, since the exterior remains fairly disappointing. The minifigures are outstanding though, as expected. The addition of five completely exclusive designs is exciting, particularly because two represent new species. Taking those minifigures into consideration, I am pleased with this set, despite its high price.
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39 comments on this article
Of course it is expensive, but compared to the 10 year older 9516, it is not. Similar amount of pieces and similar size, but less £/$/€.
Normally, it’s the other way round and current sets are always far more expensive than similar ones from the past.
Interesting techniques with the bar pieces! I'll use that in MOCs now.
A set that goes in front of the throne room when the other things are 'closed',, would look great. It would fill in that space, finish the tower, and just make it bigger. The roof would need another set though.
I doubt the hinges hint at an expansion, probably just decoration. I'll be skipping on this one for a bit, pretty bland and lacking play features.
Also, Fennec's hair is awful, it would be excusable if the perfect part didn't exist already
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=62696&idColor=59
Also, who or what would you like to see a reference to in the throne area?
I’m very curious about the possibility of a set that goes on top. It’s fun to try to imagine the thoughts within the design team. Anywhere from “They figured it out!” to “Bob, why did you insist on those pieces being on the roof? I told you it would be distracting!”
There's definitely room for upward expansion, and even the possibility of downward expansion. Looking forward to more!
I bet the lack of roof design has something to do with the previous controversy over 9516...
I miss them Fabuland axes.
Feels like they had to downsize/split the set to hit the right profit margin... As certainly looks like something got chopped off the top.
I appreciate they are often working from concept art or avoiding spoilers etc but a £90/$100 set really should have a couple more figures. Even a duplicate gamorrean guard (perhaps with different weapon) would makes sense with the series, and that perhaps robot butler thing?
Needs the domed roof to complete the Jabba Palace look.
Unfortunately, the updated element for Bib Fortuna means that when/if they remake the original Jabba's palace, they're going to lazily use this one, despite the inaccuracy.
They should have made a special torso mold for Boba Fett, to represent all the weight he gained during the hours/days he spent in the Sarlacc.
I saw it a Costco for $20 less.
@Clutch_P said:
"Unfortunately, the updated element for Bib Fortuna means that when/if they remake the original Jabba's palace, they're going to lazily use this one, despite the inaccuracy."
Oh man, we were really on the ball when we would accuse set leaks of being overpriced before knowing the price, but now we're criticizing the accuracy of sets that haven't begun the design process?? Now THIS is podracing
@Bhahouighf said:
" @goldenguy880 said:
"They should have made a special torso mold for Boba Fett, to represent all the weight he gained during the hours/days he spent in the Sarlacc."
If you've watched the show, then you know it's all muscle"
“It’s better than a six-pak: it’s a keg!”
@greenhorn said:
"Of course it is expensive, but compared to the 10 year older 9516, it is not. Similar amount of pieces and similar size, but less £/$/€.
Normally, it’s the other way round and current sets are always far more expensive than similar ones from the past."
While I agree with this for the most part, keep in mind that the high cost of 9516 could be justified by the inclusion of a brand new (big!) mold for Jabba the Hutt.
Although this set includes a few new minifig molds, overall I'm not seeing anything substantial enough to justify the premium price tag this time around.
I'll definitely be buying this, but it'll have to wait until the standard 20% Amazon discount here in the U.S.
@ICAbricks said:
"Still think it should have been based on the Book of Boba Fett and not the post-credits scene. The new Quarren is great, though!"
Then this set would've released a year later when BoBF hype would have already died almost entirely. Set production takes a long time and they definitely started this one long before the show finished shooting, so long before anything in the show was finalized (which probably happened sometime around late December).
When they create sets on concept art alone, sometimes we end up with sets like 75100, which will just collect dust on store shelves until they retire.
Some kids are going to be disappointed when Fennec's helmet is on the box but not inside it
In conclusion, this set is overpriced and has very little features. $140 in Canada is a farce, just like the rest of the Star Wars theme and Marvel crap.
@fakespacesquid said:
" @Clutch_P said:
"Unfortunately, the updated element for Bib Fortuna means that when/if they remake the original Jabba's palace, they're going to lazily use this one, despite the inaccuracy."
Oh man, we were really on the ball when we would accuse set leaks of being overpriced before knowing the price, but now we're criticizing the accuracy of sets that haven't begun the design process?? Now THIS is podracing"
Don't you remember what's happened with recent minifigures such as:
1. Ahsoka in 75283 (head piece inaccuracy)
2. Obi-Wan in 75286 (torso inaccuracy)
3. Anakin in 75281 (torso inaccuracy)
4. Mando in every set (helmet printing inaccuracy)
I get what you're saying, but it's been proven that if Lego has a print or element that's similar, they don't always go to the trouble of making it accurate.
@Clutch_P said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" @Clutch_P said:
"Unfortunately, the updated element for Bib Fortuna means that when/if they remake the original Jabba's palace, they're going to lazily use this one, despite the inaccuracy."
Oh man, we were really on the ball when we would accuse set leaks of being overpriced before knowing the price, but now we're criticizing the accuracy of sets that haven't begun the design process?? Now THIS is podracing"
Don't you remember what's happened with recent minifigures such as:
1. Ahsoka in 75283 (head piece inaccuracy)
2. Obi-Wan in 75286 (torso inaccuracy)
3. Anakin in 75281 (torso inaccuracy)
4. Mando in every set (helmet printing inaccuracy)
I get what you're saying, but it's been proven that if Lego has a print or element that's similar, they don't always go to the trouble of making it accurate."
If those weren't all in one wave, two years ago, then I'd say your worries would be more founded. I also haven't seen any inaccuracies mentioned regarding Mando's helmet printing
@fakespacesquid said:
" @Clutch_P said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" @Clutch_P said:
"Unfortunately, the updated element for Bib Fortuna means that when/if they remake the original Jabba's palace, they're going to lazily use this one, despite the inaccuracy."
Oh man, we were really on the ball when we would accuse set leaks of being overpriced before knowing the price, but now we're criticizing the accuracy of sets that haven't begun the design process?? Now THIS is podracing"
Don't you remember what's happened with recent minifigures such as:
1. Ahsoka in 75283 (head piece inaccuracy)
2. Obi-Wan in 75286 (torso inaccuracy)
3. Anakin in 75281 (torso inaccuracy)
4. Mando in every set (helmet printing inaccuracy)
I get what you're saying, but it's been proven that if Lego has a print or element that's similar, they don't always go to the trouble of making it accurate."
If those weren't all in one wave, two years ago, then I'd say your worries would be more founded. I also haven't seen any inaccuracies mentioned regarding Mando's helmet printing"
Good point, they were all in one wave. Hopefully it doesn't happen again.
As for the helmet printing, I was referring to how the visor looks squished; it should be higher up
@greenhorn said:
"Of course it is expensive, but compared to the 10 year older 9516, it is not. Similar amount of pieces and similar size, but less £/$/€.
Normally, it’s the other way round and current sets are always far more expensive than similar ones from the past."
I’m the biggest sucker for price-per-piece there ever was so I have to agree with you. It’s worth noting that the old set had the Jabba the Hutt mold but that wouldn’t bring the price up by more than $20, it was simply a terrible value. I don’t regret getting the set, though— especially after the whole “Muslim set” controversy, I have nothing against Islam whatsoever but owning a set so infamous (even if it was for no valid reason) is something I value.
Interesting how the back of the sliding door looks much better than the rather terribly looking backs of the sliding doors in 75290: Mos Eisley Cantina.
It's a very nice set, which will require a discount. The price is just too high at RRP.
"A smaller set containing Boba Fett's bacta tank alongside Fett and Black Krrsantan could prove exciting!" - Yep, exactly!
I was going to let this set slide because the price wasn't the most attractive, but after reading/watching so many positive reviews about it, I now plan on getting it.
Whether it be just for the minifigures, or that I just like the set. I know LEGO won't make another variant for some time.
I really didn’t like the price of this set but the I went to Costco yesterday and saw it for $80, problem solved!
Not sure when I’ll get a chance to build it, but I’m looking forward to doing so.
Similar to most, still prefer the original 9516, mainly as the sliding floor in front of the throne was a really cool feature, and like the original the tower needs to be taller, otherwise the sliding door obscures the lookout.
I like it! Like others, I do wish it had been able to incorporate more stuff from The Book of Boba Fett]] and not just The Mandalorian]], but I understand why and I have confidence a lot of that stuff will eventually turn up in future sets I can combine with this one. I also wish all the decorated elements were printed directly on the parts and not stickered, but this is par for the course and the stickers aren’t as overdone as some in other sets.
I plan to get this. My set backlog includes a good-sized stockpile of other still-sealed Tatooine-themed sets going back to the early 2000s. I plan to build them all together in a big Tatooine build-a-thon, and then eventually I’ll disassemble them all and rebuild everything as MOCs, using elements (both actual parts, plus design concepts and ideas) from different sets of the same things to make my own, “definitive” (for me) versions of Jabba’s / Bib’s / Boba’s palace (huh - funny how each of those three palace masters in a row has a first name with two Bs in it), the Mos Eisley Cantina, etc.
I don't get it why this set is hinged for play value but not in a way to make it a fully closed palace similar to the Mos Eisley Cantina. The whole palace is downsized, incomplete (dome, tower) and missing the more important 2nd Gamorrean Guard. It's weird to have such a set based on a mere after credit scene, including characters that are seen only for a few seconds and not on the actual BoBF. The designers most likely didn't even know Fett will spend a fair amount of time in a bacta tank on the upper level to at least incorporate a future add-on set for the roof.
i really hope they make an expansion with the bacta tank but also one with the rancor with the rancor piece used in 75005
love that most all the functions relate to boba falling over in some way. it's his palace of pratfalls
@Clutch_P said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" @Clutch_P said:
"Unfortunately, the updated element for Bib Fortuna means that when/if they remake the original Jabba's palace, they're going to lazily use this one, despite the inaccuracy."
Oh man, we were really on the ball when we would accuse set leaks of being overpriced before knowing the price, but now we're criticizing the accuracy of sets that haven't begun the design process?? Now THIS is podracing"
Don't you remember what's happened with recent minifigures such as:
1. Ahsoka in 75283 (head piece inaccuracy)
2. Obi-Wan in 75286 (torso inaccuracy)
3. Anakin in 75281 (torso inaccuracy)
4. Mando in every set (helmet printing inaccuracy)
I get what you're saying, but it's been proven that if Lego has a print or element that's similar, they don't always go to the trouble of making it accurate."
This is a toy, not a scale model...
The helmet and jetpack shouldn't be excused and neither should Fennec's hairpiece.
@Jkappa said:
"The helmet and jetpack shouldn't be excused and neither should Fennec's hairpiece."
Why not?
The helmet and jetpack colours are imperfect, but I think dark green would appear too dark relative to the source material, so can understand the decision.
With regard to Fennec's hair piece, a new element would be ideal, of course. However, the chosen part is adequate, considering LEGO does not develop new parts for every character.
Omitting her helmet, on the other hand, is not really excusable, in my opinion.
I much prefer my 9516 set and will not be buying this one
Fennec's and Boba's helmets will come without the minifigs in the Garsa Fwip Sanctuary set, all polished and filled with protection credits...
I'd welcome a Harry-Potter-like modular addition (although Jabba's Palace and Rancor Pit shot first) with more features for Boba's Palace - but I don't see it coming.
Already got weak because of the minifigs, since I wanted a Quarren for years now. Does anyone know why there is no more B'Omarr monks in this former temple?
My only real criticism is the naming philosophy of sets these days, since Boba Fett doesn't have a Slave1 anymore and didn't conquer this palace
I feel like they could have done better on the structure of the set. It does not look as much as the real Jabba the hutt’s palace like the old one, which I sadly didn’t get to buy since I was only 6-years-old. I wish it could hook up to the rancor’s pit, which I own. Although, good set and characters. :)