LEGO Ideas Gizmo’s interior hints at the character’s ‘potential’

The interior of LEGO Ideas 21361 Gizmo includes a couple of subtle secrets, one of which is a nod to a major plot point in Gremlins.

LEGO Ideas fans will soon be able to add a new brick-built creature to their collections when 21361 Gizmo launches online and in stores next month. The movie Mogwai recreates the super-cute character from Joe Dante’s 1984 classic, Gremlins, complete with 3D glasses and water droplet accessories.

In a recent roundtable interview with Brick Fanatics and other LEGO fan media, the LEGO Ideas team revealed exactly what secrets can be found inside 21361 Gizmo, one of which was requested by the set’s fan designer, Fuma Terai.

“The only thing that he requested,” explained LEGO Ideas designer Chris McVeigh, “was an Easter egg for his daughter, which some of you may already know is a small, pink, transparent item that’s at the heart of Gizmo.”

That specific element was previously flagged up in an interview discussing 21361 Gizmo’s development and the LEGO Ideas design team’s close collaboration with Fuma. In addition, a ‘specific colour trim' was also mentioned at the same time, which has now been elaborated upon further.

“We have a red pin that connects the arms,” said Chris, “and mostly what we have inside are medium nougat and brown elements and 28 green pieces. That’s a nod to sort of, you know, the character's 'potential'. If you just take the back off, you can see the internal colour scheme right here and you’ll find green peppered throughout the model.”

The use of those colours reflects the fact that, in Gremlins, when Gizmo gets wet, small furballs pop out of his back, one of which eventually grows and transforms into the sinister Mogwai known as Stripe.

That character is one that the LEGO Ideas team is keen to see fans recreate, potentially using 21361 Gizmo as the base for his creepy counterpart.

“Someone needs to build Stripe,” added LEGO Ideas Creative Lead Jordan David Scott. “Should be fairly straightforward!”

21361 Gizmo is due to launch online and in stores on October 1, priced at £89.99 in the UK, $109.99 in the US, and from €99.99 in Europe. Those wanting to pick up the 1,125-piece Gremlin can place their pre-orders for the set right now.

Be sure to check out our full review of 21361 Gizmo right here to find out what we thought of the upcoming LEGO Ideas model.

Support the work that Brick Fanatics does by purchasing your LEGO using our affiliate links. Thanks!