McFarlane Toys‘ controversial relaunch of Movie Maniacs ruffled a few fan feathers with its exclusive focus on Warner Bros., expansion into TV, and relative lack of maniacal characters. That wasn’t the only difference between the new line and the old — the new figures are entirely preposed, while the older ones had some articulation. The second series, just announced, may not win anyone back, but it does at least stick to movies. Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings, Sloth from The Goonies, and Alan Garner (Zack Galifianakis) from The Hangover make up the new Movie Maniacs wave 2.
Zack Attack
The Alan Garner figure makes one crucial design change. Rather than having a backdrop completely separate from the figure’s base, walls and a floor combine for a diorama that allows Alan to appear like he’s leaning against the wall. It’s a more classic McFarlane style than the curved cardboard back in plastic holders that the other figures include.
The Ringer
Thanks to Warner Bros./DC corporate synergy, Sloth stands in his hero pose. Opening his jacket to reveal the Superman logo made a good Richard Donner in-joke at the time. Gandalf stands ready to tell the Balrog from The Fellowship of the Ring that he shall not pass. (Anyone who prefers an articulated Gandalf in a similar scale can pick up Diamond Select’s version., though it’s 7-inch like most McFarlanes, and the Movie Maniacs one is apparently 6-inch.)
All three retail around $24.99, and are pre-orderable from sites like our affiliate partners at Entertainment Earth. If you’re on the fence about ordering, take a look through the official images below. Then let us know what you think in comments.
