Man, my wallet is actually screaming. If you're like me and you’ve basically turned your living room into a shrine for plastic bobbleheads, you know the drill. Funko just keeps hitting us where it hurts—our bank accounts. But honestly? The new Star Wars Funko Pops dropping in early 2026 are some of the most creative designs we’ve seen in a minute.
We aren't just getting another slightly different Luke Skywalker. Okay, we are getting another Luke, but this time he’s actually cool. Between the samurai-inspired "Impressions" line and the deep cuts from deleted scenes, Funko is finally digging into the weird, wonderful corners of the galaxy.
The Weirdest New Star Wars Funko Pops You Actually Need
Let’s talk about the "Star Wars Impressions" line. This set is a massive vibe. Basically, Funko decided to lean into the Ralph McQuarrie and George Lucas obsession with samurai culture.
The Darth Maul (Impressions) figure is the standout here. Released around late January 2026, it gives the Sith Lord a feudal Japan makeover that looks way better than it has any right to. Then there’s the Boba Fett (Impressions) and a Stormtrooper (Impressions) that follow the same aesthetic. If you missed the first wave with Vader and the Mandalorian back in 2025, these are the ones to snag to round out that specific shelf.
- Darth Maul #813: Features a stunning twist on his Sith armor.
- Boba Fett #814: A samurai-style bounty hunter? Yes, please.
- Stormtrooper #815: Honestly, the helmet design on this one is just chef's kiss.
But the real nerds—myself included—are probably more hyped for the deleted scenes wave. Remember the stuff that didn't make it into A New Hope? Funko does. They recently dropped a Jabba the Hutt (Deleted Scenes) version that looks like the original human-esque actor (Declan Mulholland) and a Biggs Darklighter that actually gives Luke's best friend some respect.
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Why the Spring 2026 Wave Feels Different
There’s a lot of chatter about the "Power the Force" campaign. It’s a year-long celebration marking some big anniversaries: 20 years of Revenge of the Sith and 10 years of The Force Awakens. Because of this, we're seeing a return to the prequel era in a big way.
I’m hearing rumors (and seeing leaked listings) for a pre-suit Vader. Think Anakin Skywalker with those terrifying Sith eyes and the hooded Jedi robes from the Jedi Temple raid. People have been begging for a "Crispy Vader" or a proper "March on the Temple" Anakin for years. It looks like 2026 is finally the year Funko delivers.
The Exclusives: Where to Hunt
If you’re trying to find these at your local grocery store, good luck. You’re gonna need to be faster than a podracer. Target Con 2026 is the big one to watch.
Usually, Target Con drops happen in the first quarter of the year. The leaks suggest we might see some "Glow in the Dark" (GITD) variants of the Ahsoka series characters. If you haven't picked up the Ahsoka (Lights and Sounds) figure yet, that thing is a beast. It actually lights up and makes the hum—it's basically a mini-saber for your desk.
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Here is the quick breakdown of where the high-heat items are landing:
- Entertainment Earth: They’ve been the go-to for the "Impressions" series.
- Target: Expect the heavy-hitter exclusives like the Revenge of the Sith era Darth Vader on the operating table.
- BoxLunch/Hot Topic: These guys usually get the "Diamond Collection" versions. The Loth Cat (Diamond Edition) is a must if you’re an Ahsoka or Rebels fan.
Is Funko in Trouble? The Elephant in the Room
Kinda gotta address the "going concern" thing. Late in 2025, Funko’s financial filings were... let’s say, not great. There’s been a lot of talk about whether the company can sustain its current pace. Some reports even suggested 2026 could be a "make or break" year for them.
Does this mean your new Star Wars Funko Pops will become super rare because they stop making them? Maybe. Or it could mean they just scale back on the 500 different versions of Grogu (which, let’s be real, we don’t need). Either way, it adds a bit of urgency to the hunt. If the company shifts focus, these niche releases from the "Impressions" or "Deleted Scenes" lines might not see restocks.
Don't Fall for the NFT Trap
I've seen some rumors floating around about Star Wars NFT Pops. Look, some people love them, but if you're a casual collector, they can be a headache. You basically buy a digital pack and hope you pull a "Redeemable" that you can trade for a physical figure. It’s basically gambling with extra steps. My advice? Stick to the commons and the retailer exclusives unless you’re really into the crypto scene.
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How to Scale Your Collection Without Going Broke
Honestly, the best way to handle the 2026 drops is to be picky. You don't need every single droid. Focus on the "Impressions" line if you want a cohesive look, or stick to the 20th Anniversary Revenge of the Sith wave if you're a prequel enthusiast.
Also, check the bottom of the boxes. The newer 2026 releases are starting to use more sustainable packaging in some regions, and the numbering has been getting a bit wonky with all the different sub-series. Keep an eye on those "First Appearance" stickers—those usually hold value way better than the 15th reissue of a Stormtrooper.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors:
- Set those alerts: Head over to Entertainment Earth or Funko.com and sign up for "Drop Zone" notifications. The 2026 waves are selling out within minutes of hitting the site.
- Check the SKU: If you're hunting in the wild (Target or Walmart), use a scanner app. Sometimes the new Star Wars Funko Pops are stocked in the wrong section or haven't been put on the system yet.
- Prioritize the "Impressions" series: These are technically limited runs. Unlike the standard "Red Box" Star Wars Pops, these stylized versions rarely get a second printing once the initial wave is gone.
- Watch the secondary market: If you miss a drop, don't panic-buy on eBay for 3x the price on day one. Prices usually dip about three weeks after the initial release before they start to climb again for "Grail" status.