Jabba’s Sail Barge 75397: A Closer Look at This Upcoming LEGO Icon

October’s around the corner, and LEGO fans, especially Star Wars aficionados, are buzzing about the release of the LEGO Star Wars Jabba’s Sail Barge 75397. Slated for release in mid-October, this set brings one of the most iconic vessels from the galaxy far, far away back to life in brick form. It’s not just a rehash of the 2006 Jabba’s Sail Barge 6210; it’s an upgraded experience in both detail and scale, with nearly 2,400 pieces, dwarfing its predecessor’s 781. But is it the ultimate LEGO version of Jabba’s ride across the Dune Sea?

The Design of the Barge: A Massive Upgrade?

From the moment you lay eyes on the photos of 75397 Jabba’s Sail Barge, you can see LEGO has gone for a more detailed, polished look this time around. The barge itself is longer and sleeker, stretching 78cm across. It’s packed with those small touches that we love in LEGO sets — from the window shutters to the onboard cannons, there’s no shortage of things to geek out over.

One of the highlights is the intricate interior. While the 6210 Jabba’s Sail Barge had a functional but simple inside space, 75397 steps it up with more accurate features: Jabba’s throne, prison cells, and even a kitchen for those intergalactic snacks. You’ll also find plenty of hidden surprises, like secret compartments — classic LEGO details we can’t get enough of.

The barge’s overall colour scheme and design are much more faithful to its cinematic appearance, with the reddish-brown hues and weathered textures giving it a “lived-in” feel, capturing the vibe of a villain cruising around the Dune Sea. However, if you’re a stickler for accuracy, there are some who feel the curves of the ship could be smoother. Still, it’s easily one of the most visually impressive sets released recently.

Minifigures: Jabba Returns, But What About the Rest?

The minifigures are always a big part of any LEGO Star Wars set, and Jabba’s Sail Barge 75397 doesn’t disappoint. Of course, Jabba the Hutt himself is the main event here. The figure’s mould is mostly the same as previous versions, though the printing looks a little sharper this time around. Jabba’s infamous grimace is in full force, and he looks perfectly at home lounging on his throne.

But here’s where things get interesting: the crew. While we expected some familiar faces like Bib Fortuna or Leia in her slave outfit, LEGO instead went with a few wild cards. There’s a Max Rebo Band figure, which honestly is a win for collectors. However, I was hoping for more side characters like the Gamorrean Guards. Still, the Rebo figure alone might be enough to make fans of the original trilogy smile. One minifig I’d say deserves special attention is the Weequay Skiff Guard, which boasts incredible detail on the tunic and face, far more intricate than the 2006 version.

Sail Barge Comparisons: 75397 vs. 6210

For those of you who still have fond memories (or dusty shelves) with the 2006 Jabba’s Sail Barge 6210, the question arises: How does 75397 compare? Well, it’s a game of scale and detail.

The 2006 model, while impressive for its time, is now looking a bit quaint. 6210 was relatively small, compact, and some of the details felt a bit “blocky” by today’s standards. But that’s not to say it’s without its charm. The original 6210 set had some excellent play features for its size, including the detachable skiff and the ability to open up the barge for easy access to the minifigures inside. It was an approachable set for the casual fan, where 75397 feels more like it’s aimed at the serious LEGO collector — or at least someone with a bit more display space!

For me, I think the extra details and larger size of 75397 make it a superior build. But I can’t deny that the nostalgia of 6210 still has a pull, especially with its classic lineup of minifigs like Leia in her Slave Outfit and R2-D2 with a tray. You can read more about the figures from this era in my review of the LEGO Icons Bumblebee set, which also embraces that old-school charm.

Should You Set Sail on the New Barge?

With 75397, it’s clear LEGO wanted to create a set that honours the original ship from Return of the Jedi, while catering to both nostalgic collectors and newer fans alike. It’s an impressive model that will undoubtedly become a favourite display piece for many.

But is it perfect? Not quite. The lack of some beloved characters may leave fans wanting a bit more. And with a price tag likely in the higher range, it might be one you’ll want to wait on until a good sale comes along — unless you’re already cruising the Latest toy news for LEGO deals! But if you’ve been waiting to build a massive Jabba’s Sail Barge and can overlook a couple of minor figure omissions, then it’s certainly a worthy addition to your collection.

Speaking of nostalgia, if you’re a fan of vehicles, check out my recent review of the 1966 TV Series Batmobile, a smaller but just as exciting set for car collectors!