While both DIN DJARIN and MOFF GIDEON were brought to life using our standard method of carefully stacking and stepping LEGO® bricks to create their large forms, these particular models stood out for their exceptionally detailed elements, especially the intricate design of The Mandalorian himself.
LEGO® BRICKS
BUILD HOURS
LEGO® BRICKS
BUILD HOURS
DIN DJARIN’s complex armour and array of weapons demanded meticulous planning from the outset. We had to strategically build in connection points throughout to accommodate all the detailed sub-assemblies as we progressed. The numerous straps and belts that crisscross his body, adorned with buckles, ammunition, and pouches, were all constructed separately and then attached using a combination of LEGO SNOT (Studs Not On Top) techniques and hinges for secure and accurate placement.
Even specific details within his armour, such as the various gauntlet weapons, were created as independent models before being integrated into the main build. Din’s signature Mudhorn emblem on his right shoulder, is made from LEGO plates, jumpers, clips, bars and horn elements.
His sleek and narrow blaster was designed using LEGO SNOT bricks, a variety of curved and round plates and bricks, and bow pieces. We paid particular attention to the smaller details on the butt of the grip and along the top.
Both his helmet and jetpack were carefully contoured using LEGO plates and slopes, with strategically placed curves, slopes and round bricks to replicate specific details. While most of his silvery Beskar armour is made with Medium Stone Grey LEGO bricks, there are a few pops of colour, like Sand Blue on his knees and around his waist. There are also distinctive Dark Azure triangles on the back of his gauntlets.
His spear was constructed from 4 x 4 round LEGO plates and bricks, featuring a subtle gradient in the section where it makes contact with the Darksaber, replicating the intense heat conducted through the Beskar.
While MOFF GIDEON wasn’t as visually complex as Din Djarin, his two-toned Bright Red and Black cape was one of the hardest things to build. This was because we could never lock the inside of the cape to the outside with a single LEGO brick! This made achieving the necessary strength and stability quite difficult, especially considering the cape needed to be relatively thin to convincingly represent flowing fabric!
His Vader-like chest plate was built using tiles and curved slopes, then attached with rows of LEGO SNOT bricks. The small shoulder clips were attached on angles using LEGO hinges, embedded inside the model. Decorated fan tile elements were used for the vent-like buttons on his gloves.
Giancarlo Espositos’s intense glare was recreated using a variety of Nougat coloured LEGO curve, bow and slope elements attached via bracket and SNOT bricks, focusing on his strong chin and eyes. The small 1 x 2 wedge slopes were essential to giving his face the proud and determined expression that so characterises Moff Gideon.
The Darksaber is built directly into Moff Gideon’s two-handed grip, which, unlike many of the other duel characters, provided us with a bit more internal space to run the wiring for its illumination. Because of its unique, non-traditional Lightsaber design, the Darksaber required a considerable amount of thought and experimentation during the design and build process. We ultimately constructed it as a two-sided plate build, using Black LEGO plates and tiles along most of the centre area then sandwiching Transparent Clear plates in between. This allowed the inner LED lights to shine out through the edges, perfectly replicating the weapon’s unique look.
Witness these incredible models and more at the world-first LEGO® Star Wars: The Exhibition. Embark on an epic, hands-on adventure through the Star Wars galaxy – Created by Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught and his talented team with over eight million LEGO bricks and 25,000+ build hours. Now open at Melbourne Museum.
