Few toy lines have captured the imagination of both kids and collectors quite like Playmates' Star Trek action figures. Launched in 1992, this iconic series not only revitalized Star Trek toys after years of false starts but also set a new standard for licensed action figures, blending playability, collectibility, and a deep love for the source material.
Before Playmates, several companies tried and failed to make Star Trek toys a hit. Galoob’s 1988 Star Trek: The Next Generation line fizzled out early, and earlier attempts by Mego and ERTL also struggled to find lasting success. But with the rising popularity of The Next Generation TV series, Playmates saw an opportunity. Already riding high from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles phenomenon, Playmates acquired the Star Trek license and launched their first wave in the fall of 1992.
Playmates’ initial release focused on Star Trek: The Next Generation, featuring ten 4.5-inch figures: six core crew members (Picard, Riker, Data, LaForge, Worf, and Troi) and four aliens (Ferengi, Romulan, Borg, and Gowron). Each figure came packed with character-specific accessories and a display base, all housed in vibrant, eye-catching packaging that quickly stood out on toy store shelves.
“The Playmates Star Trek toys, and in particular their The Next Generation line, came at an interesting time in the toy industry’s history... Playmates made an interesting creative decision with this line, and as a result their Star Trek: The Next Generation toys were destined to become every bit as liminal as the show they tied into: Although they would be produced as toys first and foremost, they would be marketed just as much to adult collectors as to kids.”
The line’s immediate success led to rapid expansion. In 1993, Playmates released a second wave with 23 new figures, along with playsets like the Bridge and Transporter Room, and even starship toys. By 1994, the line grew to include Deep Space Nine, the Original Series, and figures from the Generations movie, with a staggering 26 new Next Generation figures alone that year. Playmates also introduced 9-inch and 12-inch figures, role-play accessories (like phasers and communicators), and collector’s cases.
Playmates’ Star Trek line became the most prolific in the franchise’s history, producing more than 350 figures in the 4.5-inch scale, nearly 90 in the 9-inch line, and dozens more in other sizes between 1992 and 2000.
While not hyper-realistic by today’s standards, Playmates’ figures captured the “soul” of each character with stylized caricatures and distinctive accessories. The sculpting balanced playability with recognizable likenesses, making them appealing to both children and adult collectors.
Each figure was highly poseable and came with a variety of accessories-often in bright, toyetic colors-that encouraged imaginative play. Playsets like the Bridge and Transporter Room added further depth, letting fans recreate scenes from their favorite episodes.
Playmates cleverly marketed the line to both kids and collectors, introducing limited editions, variant packaging, and exclusive figures. The packaging itself became a nostalgic touchstone, with its bold graphics and character bios, and even today, new Playmates releases use “retro packaging” to evoke that ‘90s magic.
Despite the legacy and nostalgia, Playmates Toys has officially discontinued production of all Star Trek action figures as of late 2023. The primary reason cited is poor sales of the most recent releases, which failed to meet company expectations. After a much-anticipated revival in 2021, Playmates produced only a handful of new figures from series like Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, The Next Generation, Discovery, and Prodigy. However, the figures did not resonate strongly with either new fans or collectors, and sales numbers lagged far behind projections.
A representative from Playmates stated,
"Given lower than expected figure sales, Playmates Toys is focusing on producing new ships and roleplay items for the foreseeable future. As longtime Trek fans, we’re disappointed."
The company will now shift its focus to producing starships and roleplay accessories, such as electronic ships and classic Trek landing party gear, rather than continuing with action figures. This discontinuation marks another chapter in the ongoing challenge of sustaining interest in Star Trek action figures, a market that has always been more niche compared to other franchises like Star Wars, partly due to an older fan base and less appeal among children.
Conclusion
Whether you were a kid staging epic battles on the living room floor or a collector hunting down rare variants, Playmates’ Star Trek action figures offered something for everyone. Their discontinuation is a disappointment for fans, but their legacy as a beloved part of Star Trek’s merchandising history remains secure-a testament to the power of great design, smart marketing, and a deep respect for a universe that continues to inspire generations.
Check out our remaining Star Trek action figures from Playmates HERE