LEGO Marvel 76354 The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier review

Looking back at the 2015 LEGO Helicarrier, it’s astonishing to see just how different it was from the film. Whether nostalgia has blinded me or the further appearances of the Helicarrier in Marvel movies have changed my perspective, it’s clear that the original model needed a makeover.

That’s where 76354 The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier comes in, giving the Helicarrier the enormous build it deserves with the signature details and shaping you’d expect from a set of this calibre. What it lacks in terms of the statuettes and motorisation, it more than makes up for in those finer details. From connected rooms on the interior with small scenes recreated expertly, to the runways spanning the length of the ship, this is an MCU fan’s dream LEGO model.

There are still play features to discover, too. The removable section on the rear port engine allows you to drastically change the look of the Helicarrier in one swift motion, and Loki’s containment cell can even be ejected from the base of the ship. Getting it back into position is not a fun task, but the option is appreciated.

Ultimately, there are far fewer functions to interact with in the 2026 model than in the 2015 set. This is likely because of the display-focused nature of the new model, whereas you could add motorisation to that older release. Anything of the sort is nigh-on impossible in 76354 The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier.

Yet as much as I looked back on the 2015 set fondly, this remake has opened my eyes to what could have been, and now is. I'd much rather have accuracy at this level than spinning rotors.

The shaping of the 2026 set is nothing short of perfect. You can truly see just what the additional time to admire the on-screen vehicle from the past decade has done for the build. Every inch of this creation is meticulously designed to capture the iconic look of the Helicarrier, no matter what angle you’re admiring it from. 

The runways are a particularly good part of 76354 The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, eschewing several potential stickers by building them on their sides. Those stickers that do need to be applied aren’t too challenging, either, and the whole sub-assembly was a joy to put together and slide into place – everything in 76354 The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier feels like this, and it was hard to stop building the model for even a moment.

I was so genuinely excited to see how the next part of the vehicle would be designed, I built this set in one six-and-a-half-hour session (not recommended, in hindsight).

76354 The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier is simply fantastic as a display set. It’s destined to be a core part of your Marvel collection, and the set’s design team deserves nothing but the highest praise. Those praises continue when looking at the six exclusive minifigures, too. 

The minifigures in 76354 The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier are based on The Avengers and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. None of them are brand new characters, but rather remakes of older minifigures with some fantastic details. Every single minifigure here has something new to them, and arm printing makes a rare appearance several times.

The updated Winter Soldier is especially fantastic, finally featuring a printed metal arm with the masked face to boot.

There’s no bad minifigure in 76354 The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, though I do miss the S.H.I.E.L.D. display stand of the original set. The solution here is to have them floating around the model’s supporting stand. It’s not nearly as elegant as the old emblem display, but it does a decent job and gives you the excuse to mix these minifigures around other parts of your collection.

So far, it’s all good news for 76354 The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, and if I was to stop here, it would be the easiest recommendation for Marvel fans of the year. Unfortunately, there’s the price point to consider. 

And that's where it falls down, because the RRP of £329.99 / $399.99 / €369.99 is just too expensive for the contents. The finished model isn’t big enough to justify such a high price, even putting aside its hefty piece count. The build, the minifigures and the overall attention to detail are all top of their game, but the price sours the experience.

Given the presence of stickers, anything under £300 / $350 / €350 would have been fair for this set, but that extra amount adds an all-new perspective to the build. It’s certainly not the most unreasonable asking price of the year, and Marvel fans will still find a lot to love in the set, but you’re better off waiting for even a 10% discount. 

Aside from the price tag, 76354 The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier has become a personal favourite among 2026’s sets so far. It goes to show just how desperately the 2015 set needed a makeover (whether you realised it or not). The minifigures are amazing, too, but I’ve forgotten they’re there more than a few times while admiring the build. That's no slight on the minifigures – the model is just that good.

76354 The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier will be available from June 1 for £329.99 / $399.99 / €369.99. Even if it’s not a day one purchase, make sure to add this set to your wishlist for later sales, as it’s one not to miss.