Galactic Hunter: A new Hoth Princess Leia seems long overdue, given that we've only had one released way back in 1998. Can we expect a new Hoth Princess Leia in the basic line within the next of year? Are we going to see a "classic" Princess Leia in next year's pre-Clone Wars line (the VOTC model)? It'd be great to see the iconic Princess Leia with that beautiful artwork. (From Shabby Blue & Commander 1138)
[Editor's Note: Basically, the lack of "classic" Princess Leia on the new cardback is a hot topic, and it's sticking in readers' craws. Can this be addressed?]
HASBRO: We do have plans to update a Hoth Leia, but not in 2008. We would like to periodically get around to updating key Leias one or so at a time, like we did this year with Endor Leia. We have not thought about a straight repack of the VOTC Princess Leia on a basic card, focusing instead on the Leia Boushh in the Saga Legends line.
Galactic Hunter: Do smaller figures (a la Pit Droids) cost less or the same to produce from the manufacturing perspective? We are wondering if there's any chance for a comprehensive Pod Race Battle Pack? Things that could be included: All the released Pod Racer Pilots (Gasgano, Ody Mandrell, Teemto Pagales, Dud Bolt, Mars Guo, Anakin and Sebulba) and include Sebulba's massage chair and some droids (including the Otoga 222, C-3PO, and the cleanup droids). Oh and just a reminder -- we want more Pod Race Pilots! (From Cane Adiss)
HASBRO: Cane - Figure costing encompasses amount of raw materials used, the number of molds involved (the greater the number, the greater the labor and cycle time to shoot the parts), deco, and assembly. Pit Droids are efficient in these areas and that's why we can offer 2-packs. We hope that in the future we can do the same with the "smaller" Pod Racer drivers like we did last year. We are not planning a battle pack around them, though, since we think the concept is still a little niche and doesn't involve any core characters or Troopers which have been the mainstay of our packs to this point. With time, though, you never know.
Galactic Hunter: Is the Ewok Village mold still in working order since its last use for the 1991 Robin Hood line? And if it is, has the team ever considered re-releasing it? The Holiday Season would be the hap-happiest season of all! "There'd be Rebels for roasting, and Ewoks for hoaxing when Force Powers are called..." (From Jodo except the cheese ball song part)
HASBRO: OK, Adam - you are hitting the note a little early! Seriously, good jingle. We have not considered a re-release of the Ewok Village playset, and so have not looked for the tools. With the interest in Ewoks, it's something we should look into a some point, possibly for an exclusive. Thanks for the suggestion.
[Editor's Note: We had heard rumblings of a large Ewok-themed set for the Holiday Season, and we were hoping the Ewok Village was going to be a "big box boutique" surprise similar to last year's Imperial Shuttle, but as our friends from Germany recently revealed, it's another cool Battle Pack themed around the Battle of Endor.]