Sophia Donovan-Hicks

Lego Ninjago is a Lego theme that was introduced in 2011, which is a flagship brand of The Lego Group. It is the first to be based on ninja since the discontinuation of the Lego Ninja theme in 2000. Whilst it retains some elements of the previous theme, it is based on a more detailed storyline set within a fantasy world, primarily underpinned by the computer-animated television series that it is based on, Ninjago. The theme focuses on a group of six teenage ninja, led by the legendary Green Ninja, Lloyd Garmadon. The main ninja characters are defined in the story as "Elemental Masters", which means that they each possess elemental powers. The ninja are trained in the fictional martial art of "Spinjitzu" by their ancient and wise teacher, Master Wu, giving them the ability to fight against the forces of evil. The theme enjoyed phenomenal popularity and success in its first year, and a further two years were commissioned before a planned discontinuation in 2013. However, after a brief hiatus, the line was continued after feedback from fans and has been in production ever since. The Lego Group developed the theme into a media franchise aimed primarily at young boys and teenage boys, which has produced books, video games and theme park attractions. The popularity of the TV series and the toy line resulted in the production of The Lego Ninjago Movie, released in 2017, which was the third film in The Lego Movie franchise. In January 2021, the Ninjago theme celebrated its ten-year anniversary, having maintained its popularity for more than a decade, making it one of The Lego Group's longest running and most successful original brands.