Considering that both the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and playing with LEGOs are considered to be the pinnacle of nerd culture, it was only a matter of time until someone combined the two such as how this builder put together a LEGO Smaug Dragon right out of the Hobbit film.
The impressive Smaug Dragon was put together using standard red LEGO bricks. Upon completion, Flickr user and LEGO aficionado Fat Tony 1138 even put together a pile of gold that the Smaug Dragon is protecting in the story. To create the pile of gold, Fat Tony used standard LEGO coins and then covered them in gold foil to give the riches a more realistic look. Maybe a LEGO version of Bilbo Baggins has a way to get around this Smaug Dragon's wrath, but I wouldn't tempt fate that way.
Building Block Fantasy Dragons
This Smaug Dragon from the Hobbit is Flawlessly Made from LEGO
Trend Themes
1. LEGO Fantasy Builds - There's an opportunity for entrepreneurs to create kits for building fantasy creatures out of LEGOs, capitalizing on the popularity of nerd culture and the versatility of LEGO blocks.
2. DIY LEGO Customization - A business opportunity for entrepreneurs to provide custom-made LEGO pieces and accessories for enthusiasts who want to create their own unique LEGO models or figures.
3. Lego-based Marketing Campaigns - Companies could take advantage of the nostalgia factor and versatility of LEGO blocks to create promotional campaigns using LEGO models, tapping into the cultural appeal of LEGOs and the creativeness it encourages.
Industry Implications
1. Toy and Game Industry - With the advent of new technologies, the toy industry is ripe for disruption from customizable and personalized building options like LEGO that provide opportunities for pure, open-ended creativity.
2. Entertainment Industry - Movies, TV shows, and video games that incorporate LEGOs and other tangible building materials could provide new user experiences that blur the line between traditional physical and digital entertainment.
3. Marketing and Advertising Industry - Marketers can unlock the branding potential of LEGOs by taking advantage of their creative potential, providing a unique and engaging way to interact with consumers through creative campaigns.