Magician / Casino Thief
stud003 · Studios
Action Wheel · 2001 - Debuted in the LEGO Studios 'Action Wheel' sets during the early 2000s era of experimental film-making themes.
Figure ID
stud003
Theme
Studios
Year Released
2001 - Debuted in the LEGO Studios 'Action Wheel' sets during the early 2000s era of experimental film-making themes.
Rarity
Uncommon - While not extremely valuable, this figure was restricted to a specific sub-series of the Studios theme and is becoming harder to find in mint condition.
Head
Yellow head with a black domino mask, thin red outline around the eyes, and a stern/frowning expression. It is usually topped with a black fedora (Part 30135).
Torso
Black open suit jacket over a purple vest and white collared shirt with a black tie. Printing is single-sided (front only) which was standard for the 2001 era.
Legs
Plain black standard legs without printing.
Accessories
Typically paired with a light gray or dark gray megaphone (part 6246c01) used as a movie camera or a stylized blaster as seen in the photograph.
Color Scheme
A 'dapper villain' palette consisting of black, dark purple, white, and yellow accents. The purple vest is the standout feature.
Printing Details
Pad-printed front torso and head. The head mask printing is relatively delicate; the red eye highlights are prone to fading or centered alignment issues.
Variants
There are no major official variants of the printing, but this head piece was famously reused for characters like the masked robber in later City-themed promotional material.
Condition Notes
The black fedora often shows white stress marks or scratches. The purple torso print is susceptible to 'cracking' if the torso is stressed, and the mask print can wear off the bridge of the nose.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $7.00 USD; New (taken from sealed set): $10.00 - $15.00 USD. The value is relatively stable as a niche collectible.
Price (New)
Originally included in sets ranging from pocket-money prices ($3.50 for polybags) to mid-range sets ($15.00 - $20.00).
Compatible Sets
Included in 1349 (Steven Spielberg Moviemaker Set), 1354 (Dino Head Attack), and 1355 (Temple of Doom).
Character Background
Within the Studios theme, this figure acted as a generic villain, 'The Thief', or a stage magician. The theme was designed to let kids create their own movie scenes.
Design Notes
The torso mold is a classic example of LEGO's early 2000s graphic design—clean lines with a limited but effective color palette. It lacks back printing, which was rare at the time.
Similar Minifigures
Magician (Series 1 CMF), The Joker (early Batman versions), and classic Town Crooks.
Collectibility
Moderate. It is highly desirable for completionists of the LEGO Studios line or for fans of 'classic' non-licensed yellow-skin characters.
History
Part of the LEGO Studios 'Action Wheel' launch which was one of the first times LEGO leaned into the concept of 'meta-play' (making movies about making movies).
Interesting Facts
The head with the domino mask became a 'default' look for villains in LEGO media for several years following its release in the Studios line.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a movie-set build or alongside the classic Studios green 'Director's Chair' and camera equipment.
Modification Potential
Excellent for noir-style MOCs, jazz musicians, or 1920s-style gangsters due to the purple vest and fedora combo.
Overall Assessment
A charming relic of LEGO’s experimental era. While not a 'grail' figure, its unique purple-and-black aesthetic makes it a standout part of any early 2000s collection.