Building the Whoniverse: Why LEGO Needs More Doctor Who Sets

I hate the word, but as a 'franchise' that has spanned over six decades, Doctor Who's history is littered with iconic characters, monsters, memorable moments, and amazing settings - making it a perfect fit for the LEGO treatment. Hot take - Doctor Who has even more material than Marvel.

While LEGO has dabbled in the Doctor Who universe before, there’s so much more potential to explore. Here’s why LEGO should expand their Doctor Who line up and some ideas for sets I would love to see, let the Whoniverse building commence.

Sonic Screwdriver: The Doctor's Essential Tool

The Sonic Screwdriver is as synonymous with the Doctor as the TARDIS itself. It's the Swiss Army knife of the Whoniverse, capable of everything from picking locks to reprogramming technology. Given that LEGO has successfully recreated other iconic weapons and tools, such as Thor’s hammer and Captain America’s shield, a Sonic Screwdriver set seems like a natural next step.

Concept: Imagine a highly detailed, large-scale model of the Sonic Screwdriver that you can build and display. It could come with a transparent stand to showcase it upright, capturing its sleek and futuristic design. The set could also feature some light-up elements to mimic the screwdriver’s glow, or perhaps even include moving parts to simulate the gadget’s various functions.

Variants: LEGO could take this idea further by releasing different versions of the Sonic Screwdriver corresponding to the various Doctors. From the classic designs of the Third and Fourth Doctors to the vastly different version of the Fifteenth Doctor's - there’s plenty of variety to keep collectors interested.

Ncuti Gatwa in TARDIS wearing brown leather jacket showing off new sonic screwdriver

TARDIS Console Rooms: A Journey Through Time

The TARDIS is more than just a time machine, she's a whole bloody character in her own right. While we’ve had a LEGO version of the Twelfth Doctor’s TARDIS in the past, why stop there? Each Doctor has had a unique console room, reflecting their personality and the era of the show.

Concept: A series of LEGO sets focusing on the interior of the TARDIS, with each set representing a different Doctor's console room. These sets would be packed with intricate details unique to each era, such as the steampunk vibes of the Eighth Doctor's console or the coral-like design from the Ninth and Tenth Doctors. For fans of the classic series, a set based on the minimalist and white roundel-filled console room of the First Doctor would be a dream come true. These sets could be quite similar to the Friends and Office sets we have had from LEGO in the past.

Expansions: Beyond the console room itself, each set could include minifigures of the respective Doctor and their most beloved companions. Imagine building the Eleventh Doctor's TARDIS and placing Amy Pond, Rory, and River Song alongside him, or recreating the dynamic between the Fourth Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith in their iconic control room.

BrickHeadz: The Doctor and Friends in Collectible Form

LEGO BrickHeadz have become a popular collectible line, turning beloved characters into adorable, stylized figures. Doctor Who fans have already seen custom versions of these on platforms like eBay, but it's high time LEGO officially jumped on board. Check out these amazing designs (weirdly I cannot find a version of Four!!).

Custom "Dr Who" ( Jon Pertwee ) BrickHeadz™ | All parts LEGO® | eBay

Concept: A dedicated line of Doctor Who BrickHeadz figures, capturing the unique looks of each Doctor and their most iconic companions. These could be sold individually or as pairs - a Fourth Doctor with a mini K9, or the Tenth Doctor alongside Rose Tyler for example.

Potential Characters: The possibilities are endless. Beyond the Doctors themselves, LEGO could create BrickHeadz of memorable companions like Amy Pond, Clara Oswald, or Captain Jack Harkness. Villains could also join the line up - how about a Dalek or a Weeping Angel in BrickHeadz form? The mix of characters would appeal to both Doctor Who fans and LEGO collectors alike.

Monsters and Villains: Building the Doctor's Greatest Foes

The Doctor is nothing without their enemies, and Doctor Who has some of the most iconic villains in sci-fi history. From the chilling Silence and Weeping Angels to the more mechanical menace of the Daleks and Clockwork Droids, these antagonists are just begging to be recreated in LEGO form.

Concept: Large-scale builds of the Doctor's most famous foes. A Dalek would be an obvious choice, with moving parts and perhaps even a voice chip to bark out “Exterminate!” on demand. A Weeping Angel could be another great set, featuring its terrifying stone form frozen in LEGO bricks, complete with posable wings and interchangeable heads to capture the Angel’s different expressions.

Other Possibilities: The Cybermen are another must-have, perhaps in the form of a large, poseable figure or a set depicting their base of operations. Other classic villains like the Sontarans, the Ice Warriors, or the Master could also make an appearance, each with their own unique sets. LEGO could even create a "Monsters of Doctor Who" collection, featuring smaller builds of various creatures that the Doctor has faced over the years.

Five Cybermen from different eras of Doctor Who

Additional Ideas: Expanding the Whoniverse

The potential for Doctor Who LEGO sets doesn’t stop there. The Whoniverse is vast, and here are a few more ideas that could make for incredible LEGO sets:

Doctor Who Timeline Set: A sprawling set that depicts various key scenes from the show’s history. This could include miniature versions of the Doctors and famous moments like the fall of Gallifrey, the Pandorica opening, or the iconic regeneration scenes. Imagine a buildable diorama of the Tenth Doctor’s heartbreaking farewell to Rose, or the Eleventh Doctor’s final stand at Trenzalore.
Companion Collections: Sets that focus on the Doctor's companions, featuring iconic scenes or vehicles. Think of Bessie, the Third Doctor's car, as a buildable model, or a set depicting the Eleventh Doctor with the Ponds in front of their house. These sets could also include small builds of key items, like Clara’s book from “The Name of the Doctor” or River Song’s diary.
The Time Lords and Gallifrey: A set depicting the Time Lords’ council chamber or Gallifrey itself could be a showstopper. This could be an elaborate set featuring detailed architecture and minifigures of the Time Lords, including Rassilon and other key characters from the show’s lore. Perhaps a buildable model of the Eye of Harmony could be included, or a scene from the Time War.

The Appeal of building Doctor Who LEGO Sets and the Expanding Whoniverse

What makes Doctor Who such a perfect candidate for LEGO? The show's long history and its ability to reinvent itself every few years means there's a wealth of material to draw from. Whether you're a fan of the classic series or the modern revival, there's something in Doctor Who for everyone, and that translates beautifully into the world of LEGO.

The combination of iconic characters, intricate designs, and the rich history of the show provides endless possibilities for fantastic sets. From the Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver to the sinister Daleks, the potential for immersive and imaginative LEGO builds is vast. For Whovians and LEGO enthusiasts alike, these sets would be a dream come true.

So here's hoping that LEGO takes note and brings us more Doctor Who magic in brick form. I can dream anyway!!