You remember the snakes. Thousands of them. Slithering over the floor of a buried tomb while Harrison Ford lets out that iconic, exasperated groan about his deep-seated ophidiophobia. It’s one of the most recognizable scenes in cinematic history. Naturally, the LEGO Indiana Jones Well of Souls set has become the definitive way for fans to bring that tension—and that humor—into their own living rooms. LEGO didn't just make a toy; they captured a vibe.
Honestly, the 2023 revival of the Indiana Jones line felt like a fever dream for collectors. After years of silence, we finally got a modernized version of the classic scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark. This isn't just a pile of plastic bricks. It’s a mechanical diorama that manages to feel both like a sophisticated display piece and something a ten-year-old would actually want to play with for hours.
The Evolution of a Legend
The LEGO Indiana Jones Well of Souls set (officially set number 77013) is technically a remake, but calling it that feels like a bit of an understatement. If you look back at the original 2008 version (set 7621), the difference is staggering. The old one was charming, sure. It had that classic, slightly blocky aesthetic we all loved during the early days of licensed themes. But the 2023 version? It’s a masterclass in modern LEGO engineering.
Designers like Justin Ramsden have often spoken about the "DNA" of a LEGO set, and you can see it here. They kept the core play features—the falling statues, the hidden compartments—but they smoothed out the rough edges. The new set features a much more "lived-in" look. We're talking about sand-colored slopes, textured masonry bricks, and a much more imposing statue of Anubis. It’s taller. It’s sturdier. It actually looks like an ancient Egyptian tomb instead of a yellow-and-tan box.
What’s Actually Inside the Box?
Let's get into the weeds. You’re looking at 600 pieces. That’s a sweet spot for LEGO. It’s not so large that it becomes a weekend-long chore, but it’s dense enough to feel like you’re getting your money's worth.
The minifigure selection is basically a "Greatest Hits" of the film’s first act. You get Indy, obviously. He’s got the satchel, the whip, and a dual-sided head print that looks appropriately terrified of snakes. Then there’s Marion Ravenwood, Sallah (finally!), and a generic mummy that adds just enough supernatural flavor. Sallah is the standout here. Fans waited forever to get a high-quality version of Indy’s most loyal friend, and the printing on his torso and turban is spot on.
But the real star? The play features.
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There’s this specific mechanism on the back. You turn a dial, and one of the massive Anubis statues comes crashing forward, just like in the movie when Indy pushes it to break through the wall. It’s satisfying. There's a tactile "thud" that most modern LEGO sets lack. They even managed to hide a secret passage behind the statues where the "mummy" pops out. It’s clever. It’s simple. It works.
Why This Set Hits Different for Collectors
The LEGO Indiana Jones Well of Souls succeeds where a lot of modern licensed sets fail because it understands its audience. It’s leaning heavily into nostalgia, but it isn't lazy.
Look at the sticker details. Usually, people hate stickers. I get it. They’re hard to align and they peel over time. But the stickers in this set are filled with Easter eggs. If you look closely at the hieroglyphics on the walls, you’ll see tiny depictions of R2-D2 and C-3PO. This is a direct nod to a real-life Easter egg hidden in the actual film set from 1981. That kind of attention to detail is why people still care about this theme decades later.
A Masterclass in Lighting and Color
One thing people don't talk about enough is the color palette. Most "tomb" sets are just a sea of tan. It gets boring. The designers of the LEGO Indiana Jones Well of Souls broke that up with pops of gold, dark blue, and that eerie trans-green for the "hidden" areas.
When you place it under a warm desk lamp, the gold accents on the Ark of the Covenant—which is included and looks fantastic—really catch the light. It creates this museum-quality look that makes it sit perfectly on a bookshelf next to your Blu-rays or actual history books.
The "Snake Problem" and Playability
You can't talk about the Well of Souls without talking about snakes. The set comes with a healthy handful of them in different colors. It’s sort of funny—some parents complain about the tiny pieces getting lost, but for a kid, those snakes are the best part.
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You can drop them through a hole in the ceiling (another play feature!) to rain down on the minifigures. It’s chaos. It’s exactly what a LEGO set should be.
However, there is a minor critique to be made. Some fans have noted that the "floor" of the set is a bit cramped. If you’re trying to recreate the entire scene where Indy and Marion are surrounded by thousands of snakes, you’re limited by the 24x24 stud footprint. You kinda have to use your imagination for the scale. But honestly? Given the price point—usually hovering around $40 USD—it’s hard to complain about the density of the build.
Building Tips for the Well of Souls
If you’re planning on cracking this open tonight, here are a few things to keep in mind.
First, the Anubis statues are top-heavy. When you’re building the base, make sure your clutch power is 100%. If those base plates aren't snapped in tight, the statues will wobble every time you try to use the falling mechanism.
Second, take your time with the stickers. Since they’re meant to look like ancient stone, if you place them slightly crooked, it actually kinda works? But for the R2-D2 Easter egg, you’ll want that centered. Use a pair of tweezers or the edge of a brick separator to get it perfect.
Third, don't throw away the extra snakes. LEGO usually includes one or two "spare" small parts. In this set, extra snakes are a blessing. Use them to decorate the outer edges of the base to make the tomb feel even more infested.
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The Long-Term Value of Indiana Jones LEGO
Historically, Indiana Jones sets hold their value incredibly well. When the original line was discontinued around 2009, prices on the secondary market skyrocketed. A sealed "Temple of the Forbidden Eye" or "Sands of Egypt" set can go for hundreds now.
While the 2023 LEGO Indiana Jones Well of Souls is currently easy to find at major retailers like Amazon or Target, it won't be forever. LEGO sets typically have a shelf life of 18 to 24 months. Once this hits "Retired Product" status on the official LEGO website, expect the price to climb.
Why? Because it’s the "Goldilocks" set. It’s not as expensive as the $150 "Temple of the Golden Idol" diorama, but it’s much more substantial than the smaller fighter plane chases. It’s the one everyone wants because it represents the most famous scene in the franchise.
Final Practical Insights
If you’re a parent buying this for a kid, be prepared for "snake cleanup." These pieces are tiny and they love to roll under sofas. If you’re a collector, this is a "must-buy" for the Sallah minifigure alone.
To get the most out of your display, consider adding a small LED light strip behind the trans-clear pieces in the back of the tomb. It creates a "glow" that mimics the torchlight from the movie. It transforms the set from a toy into a legitimate piece of room decor.
Next Steps for Your Collection:
- Check the base plates: Ensure you have enough shelf depth (at least 10 inches) to accommodate the statue-toppling mechanism.
- Minifigure Care: Keep the Indy whip away from direct sunlight; the reddish-brown plastic used in recent years is sturdy, but long-term UV exposure can make the "coil" shape lose its tension.
- Inventory Check: If buying used, verify that the Ark of the Covenant piece is included, as it’s the most frequently lost component of the set.