Jean-Luc Picard and his intrepid crew have gone where no Star Trek has gone before — into Lego bricks. An instant success upon its release late last year, the Lego Icons Star Trek: USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D set transforms the classic ship and The Next Generation cast into a 3,600-piece Trekker dream. In addition to the Enterprise, there are minifigs of Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart), Cmd. William Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn), Lt. Cmd. Data (Brent Spiner), Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), Lt. Cmd. La Forge (LeVar Burton), Counselor Deanna Troi (Martina Sirtis), Guinan the bartender (Whoopi Goldberg), and Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton).
“I am beside myself. I’m a minifig, you guys!” Wheaton wrote on his blog when the set was initially revealed. “And I am so so so so happy that they chose this version of Wesley, specifically. Way to go, buddy!”
For the complete breakdown of how Lego’s flagship Star Trek set came together and possible plans for the future, Gold Derby beamed in Junist Ortiz, who has the amazing title of VP of Toys, Games, and Product Development in Paramount’s Consumer Products divison.
Gold Derby: How long has the Enterprise model been in the works?
Junist Ortiz: We began early conversations with the Lego Group in late 2023 around the idea of bringing the Star Trek: The Next Generation Enterprise to life in brick form. From those initial exploratory discussions through concept development, reference alignment, design reviews, and final approvals, the project has been approximately a year and a half in the making. It’s been an exciting, highly collaborative journey — one that balanced reverence for an iconic starship with the creativity and playfulness that make a Lego model truly special.
Lego USS Enterprise setThe LEGO Group
What kind of assets from the series did you use as references for the model?
The asset and reference package was extremely robust. We supplied a wide range of materials including detailed 3D files, comprehensive model photography capturing the ship from every angle, and extensive episodic photography pulled directly from the series.
From screen to brickParamount/CBS
Although Lego minifigures and builds are inherently stylized, we still provided full detailed reference coverage — cast likenesses, uniforms, color palettes, props, shuttlecraft, and even interior ship views. This depth of reference ensured that, even through a Lego lens, the final model would feel authentic, recognizable, and deeply rooted in the source material.
How closely did Lego work with the producers?
Given that the series is nearly 40 years old, this particular project did not require hands-on involvement from the original producers at Paramount. Instead, we leaned on an exceptionally knowledgeable Star Trek Archive and Brand Management team who bring over 20 years of experience working with the Star Trek brand. They were instrumental in guiding key creative decisions — flagging the subtle do’s and don’ts that true fans immediately recognize and appreciate.
On the Lego side, collaboration was constant. We held monthly working sessions where their design team shared evolving builds based on our reference materials. Once foundational notes were addressed and aligned, those conversations naturally expanded into brainstorming fun features and “wow moments” that elevate the model — most notably elements like the saucer separation feature. It was a true partnership built on mutual respect for the franchise and excitement for what the model could become.
The detachable command hullThe LEGO Group
What are your favorite Easter eggs for the super fans?
One standout for us is the mini shuttlepod, which adds a great sense of scale and play value to the overall build.
Shuttlepods revealed!The LEGO Group
Beyond that, the model is packed with thoughtful Easter eggs designed specifically for longtime fans. These include Capt. Jean-Luc Picard’s iconic teacup, William Riker’s trusty trombone, and Data’s beloved cat, Spot.
We also included dual facial expressions for many characters, allowing builders to recreate different moods and moments from the series. These small details go a long way in making the build feel alive and rewarding for super fans.
The minifig crew comes accessorized with classic callbacks to the show, including a phaser, tricorder, engineering case, PADD, bottle, and portable tractor beam generator.The Lego Group
Do you consider yourself a fan of the franchise?
Absolutely. I’ve been a Star Trek fan since childhood, watching the original series on television whenever I could. That early fascination quickly grew into something more — attending Star Trek conventions in New York, hunting for toys and collectibles, and admiring the incredible costumes created by some of the most passionate fans you’ll ever meet. That lifelong appreciation for the franchise definitely informs how I approach projects like this, always with an eye toward honoring what fans love most.
If you could take on another iconic scene or location from any Star Trek, what would it be?
I’d love to complement the The Next Generation Enterprise with a Borg ship. In my mind, it would feature ominous, illuminating green lighting and open up to reveal a fully realized Borg interior. You could recreate Picard’s chilling transformation into Locutus, include the Borg Queen in all her hive-minded glory, and populate the space with poseable Borg drones. It would be atmospheric, dramatic, and a perfect counterpoint to the clean, heroic lines of the Enterprise — an instant centerpiece for Star Trek fans.
Picard assimilated as Locutus of BorgParamount/CBS