Here are the answers to our questions sent in on 04/09:
1) It appears that running variations on troopers (i.e. Hoth Rebel Trooper and Scanning Crew) have been a difficult process for Hasbro and a source of disappointment for fans. As a matter of fact, I believe you said that Hasbro will not be doing any such variations in the future. It seems that releasing a trooper with 3-4 head variations in one package would solve the problems that previously existed, make fans extremely happy, and result in more purchases. After all there would be no running changes for the packaging, accessories, or tooling. It would just be one figure, one package, with 3-4 heads. And, you could probably use older head moulds or create a set of 3 generic heads that can go with different troop builder bodies. I know the Hoth Trooper is being released in a battle pack but many fans will not be able to army build at that price point. So what do you think? - rozwell

Our feeling is that the appeal is in the trooper itself, rather than a variety of unique head decos, and that fans welcome a second trooper when we can deliver him with a different head or new look. Therefore we stick to our model of delivering complete, stand-alone figures to keep the costs as low as possible (heads are deco intensive and therefore costly additions). We include customizable gear, such as an alternate helmet, only occasionally when the figure warrants it or may not see a release again, such as a McQuarrie or concept figure.
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2) In ‘97 you released a grand moff tarkin figure with a sticker on it that said something about it being the first release of this character. Would you consider doing that for the current line? If a figure from a movie made in 1977 has never been made in the 4 inch scale, I think it would enhance the excitement. - dewbackhunter

That is something that we have looked at doing, but have not pulled the trigger yet. Our packages tend to have a lot of communication already and we have been hesitant to add one more point to it, but it is an interesting callout to add when we have the opportunity. We'll look at it again for Vintage.

OK this is getting ridiculous with Hasbro. Trooper builders sell! I can understand not throwing 3 different heads, but how about just randomly inserting different version of figures into cases. I know other lines have done similar things. You could make chase figures like the UGH deal but instead of getting some crappy foil packaging that just ends up in the trash you could get a Rebel Trooper with a different head or a Biker Scout with blast marks on him.

DUDE...WTF!?!

It can not cost that much because how many friggen variations on Clone troopers & battle droids in paint apps alone??????????????????? Then you swap a long barrel to short barrel rifle or some such thing just to switch it up. It's a lame cop-out because they do it all the time in one line but the OT gets the sand covered shaft!

Boooooooooooooooooooooo suckbo, Booooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Honestly one of the worst excuses I've heard form them in a while- the troopers sell well dudes!

I would agree. I usually back the big H but in this case I don't buy it. They can use the same 4 heads with an endor trooper, hoth trooper, bespin guard, and even a generic pilot. Oh well.

Bottom line is they just do not want to. That scramble at Yavin battle pack had a troop builder figure in it, and a non combat version at that and at it's price point it still vanished off the shelves- OT troopers sell, now imagine if they released two different sets- each with a different head variant...it would have been madness to find one if any in a store.

Collectors want variant troopers.

There's just no good reasoning from the bro this time.

Well we keep our extra $$ then.

I really wonder why they are so hesitant to do this in any form. It seems like a win win. The only troop builders I see swinging on the pegs for an extended period are the clone. Even leaving the head swaps out of it, I think Hasbro just doesn't put enough OT troop builders out. This really drives me nuts! Hell using Saga Legends more effectively could be a great place for this figures instead of giving us 900 Plo Koons!

Ohhh but variant core characters sell well- that's what the bro wants me to believe...

Whatever!