DRIFT


This weekend, Chiba, Japan has transformed into the ultimate destination for Star Wars enthusiasts as Star Wars Celebration 2025 takes over the city with immersive exhibits, film news, and exclusive merchandise. While fans expected plenty of surprises from Lucasfilm and Disney, one reveal in particular has caused a stir among collectors and builders alike: the debut of a brand-new LEGO Star Wars set — a highly detailed, buildable K-2SO model.

Rebuilding a Reprogrammed Droid

Unveiled as part of LEGO’s May the 4th campaign, the K-2SO set adds depth to the ever-expanding universe of buildable Star Wars characters. Standing over 16 inches tall and composed of 845 pieces, the black-plated Imperial security droid turned Rebel ally comes to life in brick form, just in time for his highly anticipated return in Andor Season 2. K-2SO, voiced and motion-captured by the inimitable Alan Tudyk, was last seen sacrificing himself in the final act of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), securing the stolen Death Star plans that would change the course of galactic history.

“I love K-2 because he’s all about contradiction,” Tudyk said in an exclusive interview at Celebration. “He was built for violence, but he fights for hope. He’s sarcastic and blunt but deeply loyal. Getting to revisit that through Andor Season 2 — and now see him as a LEGO set — is surreal.

The model is engineered for articulation, allowing builders to pose the droid in various stances. The set includes a black display stand with a commemorative plaque featuring stats from the Star Wars databank, as well as a minifigure version of K-2SO — a long-requested addition by fans.

Designed with Precision

LEGO designer Peter Carmichael, known for his work on complex Star Wars builds such as the UCS Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing and the AT-AT Walker, took the lead in designing K-2SO’s articulated frame. “K-2SO is unlike any other droid we’ve tackled before,” Carmichael shared. “His proportions are so lanky, his limbs are exaggerated, and he doesn’t have the symmetry you find in models like C-3PO or R2-D2.”

To achieve the droid’s signature stooped posture and range of movement, the team incorporated a mix of Technic elements and custom-molded pieces. The head — one of the most intricate components — required over a dozen redesigns to maintain screen accuracy while fitting within LEGO’s design standards.

“We worked closely with Lucasfilm to make sure we captured not just his look, but his spirit,” Carmichael added. “He’s expressive in ways that are subtle — a tilt of the head, the way his fingers curl. That’s not easy to recreate with bricks, but I think we nailed it.”

A Life-Size Surprise

Though the 845-piece version is already a collector’s dream, LEGO didn’t stop there. As part of the Star Wars Celebration exhibit, the LEGO Group also constructed a life-size, one-of-a-kind replica of K-2SO using a staggering 50,067 bricks. Standing at just over 7 feet tall and weighing over 160 pounds, the life-size droid model took more than 182 hours to design and build.

The massive sculpture now anchors the LEGO Star Wars booth at the convention, attracting crowds for photo ops and design breakdowns. With every limb detailed down to the servo joints and painted badge symbols, the full-scale K-2SO is a triumph in both fan service and technical artistry.

K-2SO and the Return of 

Andor

K-2SO’s resurgence isn’t limited to plastic bricks. As confirmed at the Andor Season 2 panel, Alan Tudyk officially returns in the new season, premiering on Disney+ next week. The story picks up as Cassian Andor begins forming alliances that will eventually lead to the Rebellion’s formation — a path destined to intersect with the reprogramming of the rogue droid.

“People always ask if K-2SO is really dead in the Star Wars universe, and the answer is… yes, but not yet,” Tudyk joked. “Andor gives us the chance to explore the build-up — how this Imperial enforcer becomes a hero.”

That synergy between narrative and merchandise underscores Star Wars’ cultural impact. As Tudyk put it, “When your character becomes a LEGO set, you’ve made it.”

A Must-Have for Collectors

The K-2SO buildable figure is set to release on May 4th, 2025, a date internationally recognized by fans as Star Wars Day. The set will be available through LEGO’s official website and select retail partners. With its sleek black armor, posable limbs, and minifig addition, this K-2SO model blends display-worthy scale with play-friendly features — a rarity in the Star Wars LEGO catalog.

Collectors should take note: Early demand from Celebration attendees has already driven pre-order buzz, with limited-edition packaging for Celebration marked sets rumored to hit resale markets in the weeks following.

Building Legacy, One Brick at a Time

From Obi-Wan’s Jedi Starfighter to the UCS Millennium Falcon, LEGO Star Wars has delivered on fan nostalgia and innovation for over two decades. The K-2SO model continues that tradition, turning a character beloved for his cynicism and courage into a physical artifact of fandom.

As LEGO Star Wars approaches its 25th anniversary, Carmichael hints at more surprises to come. “We’re not done yet. If you love droids, you’re going to want to stay tuned. There may be a few more coming.”

Until then, builders and fans can look forward to assembling one of the Rebellion’s most sarcastic sentinels — and maybe catching him on screen again, just in time.

LEGO Star Wars K-2SO Buildable Model Quick Facts:

  • Piece Count: 845
  • Height: 16.1 inches (41 cm)
  • Includes: Display stand, character plaque, K-2SO minifigure
  • Release Date: May 4, 2025
  • Price: TBD (expected in the $99–$119 range)

From Chiba’s convention halls to the brick-built galaxy far, far away, K-2SO is back. And thanks to LEGO, you can now build your own sarcastic sidekick.

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