The MOCeurs have always set themselves the goal of filling the gaps left by LEGO in terms of ships, places or even characters from the Star Wars universe. The Rancor is no exception to the rule and many MOCs have already emerged.
To explain in a few words what the Rancor is, it is a carnivorous creature varying in size between 5 and 10 meters and originating from the planet Dathomir.
This creature has become iconic for fans of the saga because of a scene in which Luke escapes the clutches of Jabba's Rancor in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi . At the time, the Rancor was a gigantic puppet, skillfully filmed to give it presence and credibility.
LEGO has produced many creatures from the Star Wars universe in the past, such as the Dewback ( 4501 Mos Eisley Cantina - 2004), the Wampa ( 8089 Hoth Wampa Cave - 2010), and the Tautaun ( 7749 Echo Base - 2009 & 7879 Hoth Echo Base - 2011). But we've never had a LEGO version of the Rancor.
In the animated series LEGO Star Wars: The Padawan Menace , the Rancor makes a notable appearance in the form of a LEGO minifigure with studs and which seems elaborate enough to be included in the LEGO Star Wars range.
Meanwhile, ACPin has produced a very detailed version of the Rancor ( See the gallery of this MOC ), MoodSWIM has also just offered a quality MOC ( See the gallery of this MOC ), puppetmasterzero has even offered his Bionicle-Rancor ( See the gallery of this MOC ) and there are many other MOCs of this creature, a simple search in Google Images will convince you....
What are the chances that we will get a Rancor in 2012? In my opinion, very weak. Even though rumors of a Jabba Palace themed set keep coming back, I find it hard to believe this set would include the Rancor Pit.
Unless it is a very elaborate playset with several modules and many minifigs in the style of the set 10123 Cloud City released in 2003. Or if it is a set exclusive in the vein of 7879 Hoth Echo Base, with a vaguely similar playset and a good dose of minifigs. The 7879 released this year also contained a Tautaun.
The appearance of the creature in The Padawan Threat still makes me doubt. Someone has obviously taken a serious look at a LEGO-like design, even virtual, of this creature. This could be the start of creating a real action figure.
Note that in the video game LEGO Star Wars II The Original Trilogy the Rancor was not in the form of a LEGO minifigure. It was a monster that had none of the attributes of known minifigs and figurines.
