It looks like actor/writer Dan Aykroyd might become a LEGO figure once again.
In 2014, a contest – held by LEGO to receive ideas from the public for new designs – awarded and produced an original Ghostbusters set designed by 3D artist Brent Waller.
Much like when that prototype of the Ghostbusters Ecto-1 car model garnered 10,000 votes in the contest, a new design featuring Kingston area resident Dan Aykroyd was the first proposal to reach that voting milestone this year.
The Blues Mobile LEGO idea by Kai Einfeldt – featuring LEGO figures of The Blues Brothers, Jake and Elwood Blues (John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd) – has now qualified to move from the idea stage to the formal review stage of the contest.
The designer says the Blues Mobile LEGO is about the same size as the earlier Ghostbusters vehicle. It features a huge, detachable speaker on the roof with a detailed interior that features a speedometer, cigarette lighter and radio.
The trunk also opens to store music equipment included in the set: two microphones, two microphone stands, a case and a concert poster. However not all components of contest proposals get featured in the final product if its chosen to be made.
In the official LEGO comments section of his contest page, Kai was congratulated by the company and informed the “LEGO Review Board” – composed of designers, product managers, and other key team members – will examine the idea and build concept models to determine if the concept meets their high standards. This includes factors such as playability, safety, and fit with the LEGO brand.
This proposal will be joined in the review stage by any other contest ideas that reach 10,000 supporters between now and early May.
For more information and photos of the prototype Blues Brothers LEGO, visit the proposal page at LEGO.com.
The Blues Brothers are an American blues and soul revivalist band created by Aykroyd and Belushi – who portrayed lead singer Jake Blues and harmonica playing vocalist Elwood Blues, respectively – as a recurring musical sketch on Saturday Night Live, first appearing in April, 1978.
The duo released the award winning album “Briefcase Full of Blues” in 1978 and released a feature film “The Blues Brothers” in 1980, which became the first American movie to gross more money overseas than in the U.S., according to Director John Landis.
After John Belushi’s death two years later, the Blues Brothers continued with a variety of guest singers – including John’s brother, Jim Belushi – and band members.
They reformed in 1988 for a world tour and then again in 1998 for the sequel feature film “Blues Brothers 2000”, which featured scenes filmed at Millhaven and Bath Correctional Institutions just outside Kingston.
Photos: Kai Einfeldt
