It goes up at 12pm ET tomorrow. Details after the jump; pre-order link here.
Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s ordering something from Mattycollector completely blind as to the final product. But…it’s Castle Grayskull. I don’t see how I have a choice. And I’ve got a year to save up for it. Then it’s just a matter of finding room for the thing. Y’know, I really don’t know about this. It’s so expensive (probably at least $300 after shipping) and seems so decadent…and space really is an issue. It took me weeks to decide to subscribe to the 2014 sub, and this costs nearly half that.
Well, I’ve got until January 3 November 10 to decide.
Here are some hi-res pics of the plans (which Mattel for some reason hasn’t bothered to release), courtesy Preternia.com:
Here are the details from Mattycollector:
Standing solitary in the desolate lands of Eternia®, the legendary Castle Grayskull® offers sanctuary for He-Man® and those who stand for all that is good. An essential component in the original Masters of the Universe® toy line, this long-awaited icon is finally available for pre-order. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of the original series or new to the Classics line, no collection will truly be complete without Castle Grayskull®!
Our all-new Castle Grayskull® playset is slated for a late 2013 release. Because it’s still in its very earliest stage, the final design is subject (and likely) to change. Why are we offering it for pre-order now and asking you to make a commitment when the design hasn’t been finalized? Because the production cycle for an item like this takes over a year and is extremely costly. If we don’t reach the minimum pre-order goal, we can’t go forward.
So, here’s everything we can tell you at this time. Please read carefully before you make your purchase – if we reach our production goal during the pre-order period, there will be no refunds or exchanges when the product is released.
Product Features
- It’s Castle Grayskull®!
- Ideally, the set will include everything shown in the “B sheet” product drawings to the left, but please remember these are working drawings and aren’t final yet.
- If produced, this will be the largest, most ambitious MOTUC item ever made – the dimensions are expected to be somewhere around 25”h x 26”w x 28”d (subject to change).
- The overall sculpt will be based on the original 1981 prototype, with the addition of an extra battle ledge, elongated jaw/face, a removable minaret on top of the dome and more!
- Just like the vintage toy, it will be a two-sided foldout but there will be three levels to show off your MOTUC figures (in scale with most of our 6.5” figures). The vintage set only had two levels, but we’ve added another across the top for maximum display options.
- Two secret doors – the first, a traditional door that opens out the back, and the second one, a secret brick wall that exits to the outside ledge.
- Trap door leading to the dungeon (of course) that has an opening door, plus “locks” and chains to hold one figure.
- Throne fits most 6.5” MOTUC figures – who will rule your Castle Grayskull®?
- Bat wing jet pack and training device were both cut from the vintage prototype and finally get a chance at production!
- Working elevator like the ‘81 prototype had, but we’ve added back the red skull on top that was cut. The elevator goes to all three levels, not just two levels like vintage toy.
- Real opening Jawbridge just like you remember, only cooler!
- Have Wind Raider? The playset will include an attachment so you can be ready for air-battle at a moment’s notice (and create a complete diorama).
- Secret Orb room is hidden inside the dome.
- Removable ladder to the roof leads to a blaster and the flag of Castle Grayskull®.
- Carrying handle is optional for easy transport or clean display.
- Did we mention… it’s Castle Grayskull®!
Ordering Information
- Castle Grayskull® will only be produced if the minimum production goal is reached during the pre-order period.
- If production goes forward, everyone who pre-orders is guaranteed to receive a playset. Some sets will be available on MattyCollector.com after pre-orders are fulfilled, but the price will be significantly higher and you won’t be guaranteed to get one. If you want one, a pre-order is the best way to ensure you get it.
- When you place your order, the card you used will be “pre-authorized” for a zero dollar amount. This pre-authorization simply verifies that the card is valid. You will NOT be charged until the item ships, at which time you’ll be billed for the product, shipping costs, and any taxes/fees.
- Please note that because this item is so large, shipping charges will be substantially higher than items we normally sell.
- This item is scheduled for late 2013 shipment. We’ll send an email reminder about a month before the product is scheduled to ship. If you need to change your address or credit card information at that time, you’ll have plenty of notice.
- If this item reaches the pre-order goal, there will be NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES, even if the design or features change. If you place a pre-order, you are committed to the purchase and will be billed when the item ships.
- Should we not reach the minimum pre-order goal, your order will simply be canceled (because there’s no charge until it ships, there’s no refund needed).
One last thing… because this is a work-in-progress, features may be added or subtracted from the proposed design, but we can’t confirm anything now. We’re seriously as excited as you are by the prospect of finally having a Castle Grayskull® playset and Mattel will do everything to ensure we can deliver as much value as possible!





I'm in. $250 for a 2 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet updated and modernized version of my favorite playset of all time? Oh hell yeah!
In.
Um, Actually it's until November 10… IF we reach the bare minimum by November 10, then the Preorder is left open until January 3… not to put pressure on anyone.
Also, if the Castle is made and they have "Day of" CG's they're going to be A LOT More Expensive…
\”Um, Actually it\’s until November 10\”
You\’re right…fixed.
Glad I could help!
As an International customer (Oh not that again!), I have little issue with this – it's lovely, and a while it is a shame it "went up" to $250, I don't have the same issues as I did with the sub.
The problem I have is that fabulous little Icon heroes version – I really want one of those, and having a proper playset just becomes even more decadent tan your dilemma… even with a year to save up for the thing. And the Icon heroes one has 4 sides, even if it means He-man becomes Tytus.
This really looks the business though – Poe, if you go for it, I will!!
I take it back, it's $200 shipping to the UK… youch! I was prepared for maybe upto $100 as a worst case scenario, but I'll have to pass at that.
They’ve since corrected that I think.
I wouldn't be so hesitant if it weren't for this one line:
"One last thing… because this is a work-in-progress, features may be added or subtracted from the proposed design, but we can’t confirm anything now."
That's the catch. There's still a possibility that features could be removed. I doubt they'll sucker us into a bare-bones (no pun intended), hollow shell, but if they'd said "everything we've shown so far is a lock; no matter what, you'll get AT LEAST this much," then I'd bite.
Its weird, Scott said at the panel at NYCC that what is being presented here is the bare minimum that will go forward. More can be added, but none taken away.
I’m in. THIS is what I’ve dreamed of since the line started. It will be a fantastic centerpiece for my collection.
I'm in. I honestly don't see how it is even up for debate. Can you manage to put away around $10 a week for the next ten months or so? Boom. You're good to go.
I'm sure I'll cave. There's no way I won't. But I've got to find my way there.
i look at it like this poe… cuz i'm in a very similar space as you are, it's a HUGE toy, it's a HUGE chunk of money, and if/when we ever move (i'm in a rental home, you and the dr mrs mother superior esquire might start cranking out hordes of poelings any day now) it will be a beast to pack and relocate… but if we're really toy fans, and we love toys, new and old, like we say we do… castle grayskull was the greatest playset ever. period. this might trump it, might just pack more bang for our buck than any vintage revival toy we will ever be offered. barring richard branson approaching us w/ an offer to build a real castle grayskull for one of us, this is it man, we're not getting offered something like this ever again. if he-man was worth 20 bucks to us at one point, grayskull HAS to be worth 250 to us now, it has to, it's the ultimate fulfillment of the idea of motuc in the first place. if we're not in this thing, i think both of us have to pack up and call it a day, we're old men, we're past our prime, and it's time for pasture and soft serve ice cream and early bird specials at dennys. this is it for us man, the biggest, coolest, most rad thing we will ever get a shot at in our toy collecting lives… this is rocky getting a second match w/ apollo.
and need i point out… that tamashi kong is gonna look bitchin scaling the walls of grayskull.
Something of an odd inspirational speech, but a good one! I'm sure I can roust up the money.
As for packing/repacking, we bought our first house in July. So, honestly, there is room. It's just going to need a whole dedicated display.
I just had to jump in and say, that's a great post dayraven! I totally agree, and I'm in for 2 Grayskulls!
i feel like i should thank you or something!
DR, you are an odd, odd duck sometimes but this comment had me cracking up… you "had" me at "cranking out hordes of poelings". if Classics Grayskull is even half as cool as they want us to believe it is going to be then it could quite possibly be the pinnacle of all our collections…
Too small. My dream is to one day have a custom CG built around my NECA 4H CG door.
I can't get it, too big, too expensive and I've never really had the need for it… castle greyskull man will just have to fill that hole
I can't afford it or store it, but I'll gladly visit any of your houses.
I will bring toys.
They need a special recess for Castle Grayskullman to fit into, where he can sort of blend in with the castle.
Pre-Ordered!!! Great speach DR!
This is it folks, it's a chunk o' moolah, but well worth it IMO.
Ill be buying one. I want to buy two but the sales tax in tn is 10% which really hurts so I may just get one.
It's great that serious MOTUC fans have the chance to get their hands on this, and I hope the sale goes through. I wish there was another tier to this offer, wherein Mattel would sell just the flattish front facade if the pre-orders failed to meet quota.
As for me, there's no way I could justify that cost unless my kids would be into He-Man, but they're too young still and I have no way of knowing what the future holds. Good luck folks!
So I guess the Icon Heroes version fills the void for those who are passing on MOTUC CG due to size? At least if I were Icon Heroes, that's how I'd start advertising it.
The Icon Heroes version is beautiful – if they ever make the super deforms they'll look the part next to it, depending on their size(!).
Icon Heroes only have a licence for North America, but I don't think there is gong to be a huge problem getting one imported at a reasonable cost.
I love the new Avatar, Poe!
$200 for international postage???
That will kill Int sales!
Its been fixed. Its about $100 to most of Europe now.
It's good but if I by a large playset it will be the TMNT Secret Sewer Lair Playset. CG for Int fans will be over $400 where as SSL is £99 with free postage.
But I know CG is something a lot of MOTUC fans have been wanting for ages and its cool you fans are getting it.
But is it Castle Grayskull? That's a make-or-break thing for me. I have to know!
Pre-ordered. Even with the international shipping price.
So what if i need to pay for food and medical care? Its f***ing Castle Grayskull!!
new video from toy guru giving us a foamcore mock up of the scale of this thing…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GpAEhXAmDs&fe…
of course after seeing this it makes me think, "why pay $250 for something that i could make for less than $10?
I jest of course!