Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin - Swept Back Hair
sw0741 · Star Wars
Ultimate Collector Series / Episode IV: A New Hope · Released in 2016. It debuted exclusively in the UCS Death Star (Set 75159). This era marked a shift toward high-detail movie-accurate facial printing with defined cheekbones and age lines.
Figure ID
sw0741
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
Released in 2016. It debuted exclusively in the UCS Death Star (Set 75159). This era marked a shift toward high-detail movie-accurate facial printing with defined cheekbones and age lines.
Rarity
Rare. This specific version is exclusive to the 2016 UCS Death Star set (75159), which had a high retail price and was discontinued in 2020. It is much harder to find than the earlier 2008 version.
Head
Light Flesh, dual-sided printing featuring a stern expression and a grimacing expression. It includes highly detailed wrinkles, sunken cheeks to mimic Peter Cushing, and a Light Bluish Gray swept-back hair piece (Part 15500).
Torso
Light Bluish Gray Imperial Officer uniform. Features high-detail printing of the Grand Moff rank insignia (two rows: 6 red, 3 blue over 3 yellow) and two code cylinders. Back is printed with uniform seam lines.
Legs
Plain Light Bluish Gray legs without printing, consistent with standard Imperial officer uniforms of this LEGO era.
Accessories
Typically packaged with no handheld accessories, though in the set context, he is often associated with the Death Star control room elements. Does not include a cape or weapon.
Color Scheme
Primary: Light Bluish Gray (Uniform). Accents: Light Flesh (Skin), Light Bluish Gray (Hair), and detailed red/blue/yellow for rank insignia and black for the belt.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing. The head printing is the standout feature, using thin lines to convey the character's gaunt appearance. The rank insignia is precisely aligned to the left side of the chest.
Variants
sw0157 (2005 - Yellow skin), sw0192 (2008 - Classic light flesh), sw1201 (2022 - Microfighter version). This sw0741 variant is the most 'premium' and detailed version for adult collectors.
Condition Notes
The Light Bluish Gray plastic is prone to UV yellowing. Check for 'neck cracks' on the torso and stress marks on the Light Flesh hands. Hair piece can show edge wear easily.
Estimated Value
Used: $50.00 - $70.00 | New/Mint: $80.00 - $100.00. Value has remained stable since the retirement of the UCS set.
Price (New)
Retail cost for set 75159 was $499.99. As an exclusive figure in a $500 set, the 'entry price' for this figure was originally very high.
Compatible Sets
75159 Death Star (UCS 2016).
Character Background
Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin is a high-ranking Imperial officer and commander of the Death Star. He is known for the Tarkin Doctrine of ruling through fear and for ordering the destruction of Alderaan.
Design Notes
The use of the newer swept-back hair mold (introduced around 2014) is a significant upgrade over older versions that used standard 'slick back' hair. The sunken cheek printing was a breakthrough in capturing celebrity likeness.
Similar Minifigures
Admiral Motti (sw0614), Imperial Officer (sw1014), Grand Admiral Thrawn (sw0811), and the original Tarkin (sw0192).
Collectibility
High. He is a primary antagonist of the original Star Wars film and this remains his most accurate and detailed LEGO representation to date.
History
First appearing in LEGO form in 2005, the design evolved from a simple yellow-skinned figure to this 2016 highly detailed version which serves as the current standard for Imperial high command figures.
Interesting Facts
Despite being an iconic character, a Light Flesh version of Tarkin was only available in two sets over the span of 20 years, making every version of him quite desirable for army builders and diorama creators.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a black LEGO stand alongside Darth Vader and Imperial Officers, or within a gray-walled Imperial interior MOC (My Own Creation).
Modification Potential
The head is frequently used by customizers to create other elderly male characters. The torso is perfect for custom Imperial high-ranking officers or 'Grand Admirals' if the insignia is swapped.
Overall Assessment
10/10 for detail and accuracy. This sw0741 Tarkin is the definitive LEGO version of the character. Essential for any Original Trilogy or UCS collector.