We definitely seem to be at a transitional point for the 3.75" figure line. When Hasbro announced the Celebrate the Saga multipacks they invoked the whole "going in the vault" concept that Disney introduced a while back which induces this mindset of "Get it now, because it's going away!" So the 5 POA figures are going away, but what does that mean for the scale in general? Will that mean an uptick in the amount of Vintage Collection figures? I know that this is anecdotal, but it seems like TVC figures show up, they're usually in quantities of 1 or 2 cases, and they sell out very quickly. The only ones that I've seen linger a bit longer are the reissues.
Sim Aloo definitely stands out as a figure that should be tackled by Hasbro, and hopefully in this coming year. I would hope that they could also produce a TVC Emporer Palpatine and put them out in the same wave. Themed waves can certainly help carry a figure like Sim Aloo, who would ordinarily just look like some pasty guy in a purple robe with a funny hat.
The funny thing is, looking at some of the TVC groups on Facebook and Instagram, even if you made those two figures you just cannot satisfy those guys. Looking at it, their stance is almost extremist. And they seem to think that they're being persecuted, and the Black Series is to blame. I saw someone generate a list of figures that have come out in The Black Series since 2015 that in their opinion have not had TVC equivalents (even if other 3.75" SA versions were produced long ago). Frankly, it's exhausting!
BUT... I do think that I'm on board with a modern re-do of the Kenner Death Squad Commander. Someone pointed this out to me a while back and the revelation changed my mind. The face of the character on the Kenner cardback is pretty distinctive. But it seemed like the color of the tunic was in question because of the extreme lighting. Well, that distinct face is pretty recognizable. Because that same actor turned up in another scene on the Death Star with more neutral lighting. And in that scene he's got the olive Imperial officer style uniform. I can't imagine that the wardrobe department would have a significant costume change for a background player like this, so I'm leaning towards this particular character being done in a screen accurate way.
With articulation in general? I think Hasbro has made tremendous leaps forward with what they can do in this scale. But it does seem that some characters may not need things like rocker ankles or wrists. If articulation is approached in a way that's appropriate to the given character I'm all on board if that translates to more new figures.
With all of the new shows coming? I think they're going to occupy their own space on the calendar without too much overlap. The Mandalorian has a run of 8 weeks where they air new episodes. And the Disney Gallery BTS series runs for a few weeks after. How will that translate to merchandising? I don't know, because this looks like somewhat uncharted territory. Right now the release schedule seems to be shaping up something like this:
Q4 2021 - The Book of Boba Fett on Disney+
Q1 2022 - The Mandalorian - season 3 on Disney+
TBD 2022 - Andor - season 1 on Disney+
TBD 2023 - Rogue Squadron - theatrical feature
*POSSIBLY 2021* - The Bad Batch on Disney+ (based on the sizzle reel)
*PROBABLY 2022* - Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+ (limited series - beginning production soon)
UNDETERMINED RELEASE DATES
-Untitled Taika Waititi feature
-Ahsoka - limited series on Disney+
-Rangers of the New Republic - new series on Disney+
-Lando - likely limited series on Disney+
-Star Wars Visions - animated shorts on Disney+
-A Droid Story - animated special on Disney+