With all the huge success of the Star Wars Bobbleheads I reached out to the head honcho at Funko, Brian Mariotti, for a behind the scenes peek at where the series is going:
WC: Brian, thanks for taking time to chat about Funko's Star Wars Bobbleheads. As far as the number of characters in the license, how does this compare to what Funko has done in the past?
BM: The Star Wars character universe is vast. WE hope to continue obscure with mainstream. For every Luke variation, we offer a Cantina Band member. For every Stormtrooper we try and offer a 4-LOM or Bossk.. A nice blend of what make Star Wars so appealing.
WC: Previously Funko has been known for more animated characters - was the transition to a live action property like Star Wars a big leap for your creative team?
BM: A lot of the Star Wars characters are monsters or creatures of some sort. Those are the easiest. Getting Han Solo to look right yet give it a Funko punch in styling is more difficult. WE usually aim for a more FUNKO-IZED body..
WC: How involved has Lucasfilm been in the design?
BM: The design is mostly Funko, but Lucas Film certainly helps in perfecting designs on occasion.
WC: Personally I appreciate that you haven't just been doing the main characters but have mixed in a good iconic characters like the Jawa and Gamorrean Guard. For fans who are trying to collect them - how many characters have you done so far?
BM: We are up to 16. Close to 28 by end of 2009.
WC: About the 'variants' - I understand that there is Chrome-based chaser in every case - is that true of the Limited Edition Variants like the Hologram Yoda, Holiday Special Boba Fett, or Shadow Trooper?
BM: Yes.
WC: How many Clone Wars Bobbleheads will you be making?
BM: Right now we have 6 in some sort of development. My fav's being Grevious and Battle Droid.
WC: What's the most requested Star Wars character you haven't done yet?
BM: Jar Jar Binks...Kidding. Slave Leia, and she is approved and will be done in 1st Quarter 2009!!!!
WC: COOL! Can you tease us with anything else coming up?
BM: Expect to see our Vader 12" Bobble Bank with SOUND!!!!
WC: Most impressive! Thanks for your time Brian!
