LEGO Announces Lord of the Rings: The Shire Set Release

LEGO is set to release The Lord of the Rings: The Shire on April 2 for LEGO Insiders and April 5 for the general public, featuring a detailed 2,017-piece diorama that recreates Bilbo Baggins' eleventy-first birthday celebration. The set includes nine minifigures—Bilbo, Frodo, Samwise Gamgee, and others—alongside interactive elements such as transforming a burning letter into The One Ring. Sean Astin, who played Samwise Gamgee in the film trilogy, stars in an exclusive mini-film celebrating the set's launch, highlighting its intricate design and nostalgic connection to Middle-earth. The Shire is the third LOTR set released in recent years, following Rivendell and Barad-dûr, and is noted for its cozy aesthetic and engaging features. The new set is priced at $269.99 and includes several smaller builds alongside Bag End, offering a glimpse into the wider Shire. Astin reflects on the joy of imagination that the set inspires, emphasizing the importance of creative play.