Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise-D have boldly gone where no starship has gone before – into the world of LEGO. The LEGO Icons Star Trek: USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D set, a 3,600-piece recreation of the iconic vessel from Star Trek: The Next Generation, has quickly become a success since its release late last year. The set includes minifigures of Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Lieutenant Worf (Michael Dorn), Data (Brent Spiner), Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton), Deanna Troi (Martina Sirtis), Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg) and even Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton).
The project, nearly a year and a half in the making, represents a significant collaboration between LEGO and Paramount Products & Experiences. Junist Ortiz, VP of Toys, Games, and Product Development at Paramount, described the process as a “highly collaborative journey” balancing reverence for the source material with LEGO’s creative approach. “We began early conversations with the Lego Group in late 2023,” Ortiz explained, “around the idea of bringing the Star Trek: The Next Generation Enterprise to life in brick form.”
The level of detail incorporated into the set is striking, going beyond simply replicating the ship’s exterior. Paramount provided LEGO with a comprehensive package of assets, including detailed 3D files, extensive photography of the ship from every angle, and even screenshots from the series itself. This allowed the LEGO design team to create a model that feels both authentic and recognizable to longtime fans. Ortiz emphasized the importance of this depth of reference, ensuring that even through LEGO’s stylized aesthetic, the final product would remain true to the original.
While the original producers of Star Trek: The Next Generation weren’t directly involved in the design process, Paramount’s Star Trek Archive and Brand Management team, with over 20 years of experience, played a crucial role. They guided creative decisions, flagging details that would resonate with dedicated fans. The collaboration wasn’t a one-way street; LEGO actively sought input from Paramount, resulting in features like the ship’s separable saucer section, a detail that elevates the model beyond a simple static display.
For fans, the set is packed with Easter eggs and subtle nods to the series. Beyond the inclusion of the main crew in minifigure form, the set features details like Captain Picard’s teacup, Riker’s trombone, and Data’s cat, Spot. The minifigures themselves are thoughtfully designed, with dual facial expressions allowing builders to recreate different moods and moments from the show. “I am beside myself. I’m a minifig, you guys!” Wheaton wrote on his blog upon the set’s initial reveal, expressing his delight at the inclusion of his character, Wesley Crusher.
Ortiz highlighted the mini shuttlepod as a particularly satisfying addition, adding a sense of scale and playability to the model. The set also includes an angled display stand and an information plaque, making it a centerpiece worthy of any Star Trek enthusiast’s collection.
Looking ahead, Ortiz revealed a potential future project that would complement the Enterprise: a Borg ship. “It would feature ominous, illuminating green lighting and open up to reveal a fully realized Borg interior,” Ortiz envisioned. “You could recreate Picard’s chilling transformation into Locutus, include the Borg Queen in all her hive-minded glory, and populate the space with poseable Borg drones.” Ortiz sees the Borg ship as a “perfect counterpoint” to the heroic lines of the Enterprise, offering a dramatic and atmospheric addition to the LEGO Star Trek universe.
Ortiz, a lifelong Star Trek fan, brought a personal connection to the project. Having grown up watching the original series and attending conventions, Ortiz’s passion for the franchise informed the entire process. “That early fascination quickly grew into something more,” Ortiz said, “admiring the incredible costumes created by some of the most passionate fans you’ll ever meet.” This dedication to the source material is evident in the meticulous detail and thoughtful touches that make the LEGO Enterprise a truly special tribute to Star Trek: The Next Generation.
