Our predictions for this month's epic robot-themed Loot Crate
Do androids dream of electric sheep? Is Data a sentient being, or property of Starfleet? How exactly did C3PO get his red arm? The answers to these questions may very well be found inside September's robot-themed Loot Crate.
If you're not familiar, here's the rundown. Loot Crate is a subscription service that delivers a new mystery box of themed geek and gamer gear to your door every month. Each box is curated by professional Loot Crate nerds to include only the hottest swag from today’s most talked-about movies, TV, shows, comics, and games. You’ll find authentic products from new releases and pop-culture classics, cool collectibles featuring your favorite characters, and an exclusive t-shirt in every crate. You'll never get the same item twice and there's no filler allowed; every Loot Crate delivery is valued at up to $70, so you’ll always get more than your money’s worth.
This month, Loot Crate takes its subscribers on a trip into the depths of the Uncanny Valley with its newest theme: Robotic. This AI-based box is based on the most famous (and infamous) androids from beloved sci-fi franchises. What should you expect? To maintain the mystery, Loot Crate only releases the names of the franchises covered under each theme, but there’s plenty of room for speculation. For starters, how about some official gear from one of the most long-awaited sequels of all time?
Blade Runner Swag?
Blade Runner 2049 hits theaters this October, and if the trailers are to be believed, this follow-up isn't just a lifeless replicant of Ridley Scott's original neo-noir masterpiece. From impeccable casting (Ryan Gosling, Jared Leto, and the indomitable Harrison Ford) to the visionary in the director's chair (Denis Villeneuve of Sicario and Arrival fame), this highly anticipated sequel is shaping up to pass the critical Voight-Kampf test with flying colors.
But what Blade Runner 2049 merch will show up in Loot Crate’s September release? Since this is the Robotic crate, perhaps it will contain something related to Dave Bautista’s mysterious new replicant character. Or maybe an item featuring Neader Wallace—the villainous replicant manufacturer played by Leto. Whatever it is, it won’t be the only item in your crate based on a Ridley Scott creation.
Perhaps A Little Something Out-of-This-World
No robot-themed box of sci-fi goodies would be complete without an appearance by characters from the Alien universe. While the titular xenomorphs are some of the most terrifying monsters in film history, the Alien films also feature some memorable androids, too.
This month’s crate spotlights Aliens—the action-packed James Cameron-helmed sequel to the original movie—which placed its heroic and human-friendly android character, Bishop, in stark contrast with the evil Ash of the first film. Will the Robotic crate feature a Bishop figure that you can fill with milk and disembody yourself? Err…maybe? You’ll have to subscribe to find out.
For the remainder of its Robotic offering, Loot Crate has looked to the stars—both Wars and Trek. For the latter, you’ll be beamed into the Mirror Universe; a crazy, mixed-up alternate Star Trek reality where heroes become villains, Captain Picard is totally jacked, and goatees are the height of facial hair fashion. Here’s hoping the Loot Crate tie-in will shout out to the recent TNG comic series Mirror Broken, and its totally Borg-ified version of Data. That’s basically two robots for the price of one!
And as for that galaxy far, far away? With 7 films (and an 8th on the way), several animated series, a library of novels (both in and out of canon), and a slew of video games featuring robotic Star Wars characters, it’s anyone’s guess how Loot Crate will incorporate the droids you’re looking for.
R2D2, C3P0, and BB8 are obvious contenders, but let’s not count out some of the lesser-known droids; like robo-bounty-hunter IG-88, Chopper from Star Wars Rebels, or Lobot—that dude in Cloud City with the computer attached to his head.
While it’s fun to speculate about September’s Robotic Loot Crate, in order to truly know its contents, you’ll need to open one of your own. Luckily, there are multiple ways to make that happen, and they're all on sale. Think of it like a nerdier Choose Your Own Adventure:
1) The Basic Crate: 4 items for $12, formerly $25
2) The Bigger Crate: 5-6 items for $17, formerly $40
3) The Biggest Crate: 6-7 items for $22, formerly $50
4) The Collectible Crate: Get a Dr. Strange figurine, plus a mystery figurine chosen by Loot Crate’s expert curators. Buy now for $12, formerly $25.
Don't wait to order your crate. After September 19th, this theme will expire and all of this robo-stuff will be lost in time.
As Director of Special Projects, Nicole Cammorata helps guide Mashable's editorial innovations, licensing programs, and specialty series. Previously, she was the site's Executive Editor and its very first Shopping Editor before that. Nicole is also Mashable's resident gifting expert and gets a thrill out of helping readers find the perfect present. She received a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University and an MFA in fiction writing from The New School. She lives in Maine with her husband, their three young children, and a backyard full of flowers.
