William Shakespeare
tlm017 · The LEGO Movie
Collectible Minifigures Series / Movie Characters · 2014, as part of the Collectible Minifigures Series: The LEGO Movie wave (71004)
Figure ID
tlm017
Theme
The LEGO Movie
Year Released
2014, as part of the Collectible Minifigures Series: The LEGO Movie wave (71004)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While originally a blind-bag figure, its demand as a literary and historical figure has increased its scarcity on the secondary market compared to other figures in the same wave.
Head
Yellow skin tone with traditional bale-head male hair (receding) in reddish brown. Face print features a distinct Elizabethan-style thin moustache, goatee, and gentle smile.
Torso
Dark red doublet with gold ornamental printing, filigree ruff patterns, and center buttons. Reddish brown arms with yellow hands. Very detailed printing reflecting 16th-century fashion.
Legs
Dark red hips and legs with printing on the front. Design continues the doublet's 'skirt' or peplum and features gold trim and vertical fabric folds representing trunk hose.
Accessories
Includes a white neck ruff (frill) piece and a 2x2 flat tile representing a script or manuscript. The original set included a tan 2x2 tile printed with 'To build or not to build'.
Color Scheme
Primary: Dark Red. Accents: Gold, Reddish Brown, and White. Classic yellow head and hands.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on torso and legs. Front of torso features heavy gold ornamentation. Leg printing is sharp and aligns with the torso design, though there is no arm or side-leg printing.
Variants
None. This specific figure is the only official LEGO representation of William Shakespeare.
Condition Notes
The white neck ruff is prone to collecting dust and can discolor if exposed to UV. The gold printing on the torso is generally durable but can scratch if played with aggressively. Stress marks on the heels are common for this era of legs.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $12 - $18 USD. New/Sealed in bag: $20 - $30 USD. Prices fluctuate based on the condition of the neck ruff and the presence of the printed tile.
Price (New)
$3.99 USD (original MSRP for the blind bag)
Compatible Sets
71004 LEGO Minifigures - The LEGO Movie Series
Character Background
Based on the historical English playwright, the character appears in 'The LEGO Movie' as one of the Master Builders who meets at Cloud Cuckoo Land.
Design Notes
Unique use of the 'bale' hairpiece originally designed for old man characters to represent the iconic look of the Bard. The torso and legs utilize intricate gold filigree to convey status and historical accuracy.
Similar Minifigures
Abraham Lincoln (tlm014) and Mrs. Scratchen-Post (tlm003) from the same series; other historical-style figures like the Series 17 Connoisseur or Series 11 Barbarian.
Collectibility
High. Appealing to both LEGO Movie completionists and 'Historical/Literary' figure collectors. It holds its value well and is a staple in historical MOCs.
History
Released during the first LEGO Movie wave in 2014, marking a time when LEGO began incorporating more real-world historical figures into their movie-related merchandise.
Interesting Facts
The script tile's quote 'To build or not to build' is a pun on Hamlet's 'To be, or not to be'. This is the first and only time Shakespeare has been officially produced as a minifigure.
Display Suggestions
Ideal for library-themed MOCs, a Globe Theatre build, or alongside the other 'Master Builder' figures from the movie. Use a clear acrylic case to keep the white ruff pristine.
Modification Potential
The torso and legs are excellent for creating custom Elizabethan/Renaissance era characters or noblemen in Castle-themed builds.
Overall Assessment
An excellent, highly detailed minifigure that perfectly blends historical iconography with the LEGO aesthetic. A must-have for historical figure collectors and fans of the 2014 film.