A little bit of context
Rampage’s George: From Silverback to Big City Brawl
The 2018 movie Rampage, loosely based on the classic arcade game, brought the mayhem of monster-fueled destruction to the big screen. While Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s charisma certainly carried the film, it was the mutated albino gorilla, George, who truly stole the show. This blog post delves into George’s journey, from his origins in the San Diego Wildlife Sanctuary to his action figure incarnation by Lanard Toys.
George’s Story: A Gentle Giant Turned Aggressive Beast
George wasn’t your typical silverback gorilla. As an albino, he possessed unique white fur and light peach-colored skin 1. Interestingly, he may have been based on Snowflake, the world’s only known albino gorilla to date 1. His intelligence was remarkable, evident in his close relationship with primatologist Davis Okoye (Dwayne Johnson). George’s understanding of sign language allowed him to communicate and even joke with Davis 2. Their bond was forged when Davis rescued the infant George from poachers who had killed his mother 3. Raised in the San Diego Wildlife Sanctuary alongside other gorillas like Femi and Enu 2, George lived a peaceful life until a genetic experiment went awry.
It’s worth noting that George’s origin in the movie differs from his portrayal in the Rampage video game series. In the games, he’s a human mutated into a giant ape monster by the experiments of Scum Labs 1. The film reimagines him as a gorilla mutated by Energyne’s genetic editing experiments.
A pathogen, designed by the nefarious Energyne corporation, transformed George into a colossal, aggressive beast 4. While he retained his intelligence, the pathogen amplified his aggression, leading him on a destructive rampage 1. This tragic transformation highlighted a stark contrast in George’s character – a once gentle and playful gorilla now driven by destructive impulses 1. Despite the monstrous change, George remained loyal to Davis, showcasing the enduring power of their friendship 3. Adding to his resilience, the pathogen also granted George an incredible healing factor, allowing him to recover quickly from injuries sustained in battles 1.
In the film’s climax, George teams up with Davis to battle the other mutated creatures, a wolf named Ralph and a crocodile named Lizzie 1. He uses his intelligence and agility to outmaneuver the larger Lizzie, ultimately killing her with a steel beam 1. George’s role in Rampage is a testament to his unique character – a gentle giant with a playful side, turned into a destructive force by a tragic accident, yet ultimately redeemed by his bond with Davis and his own inner strength.
Rampage: Monsters, Mayhem, and Mixed Reviews
George’s journey in Rampage is intertwined with the film’s overall plot, which follows Davis Okoye as he races against time to stop the mutated George and the other monsters from destroying Chicago 2. The film features over-the-top action sequences, impressive visual effects, and a healthy dose of humor, thanks to Dwayne Johnson’s performance and the interactions between him and George 2. To bring these colossal creatures to life, the visual effects team at Weta Digital faced numerous challenges. They meticulously studied real-world building collapses and even created a detailed model of the Chicago Loop to accurately portray the destruction caused by the monsters 2.
Interestingly, for fans of The Walking Dead, the character of Harvey Russell, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, shares some similarities with Negan from the TV series, both in terms of personality and appearance 2. Some fans have even speculated that Rampage could be a prequel to The Walking Dead, though this is just a fun theory 2.
Critical reception for Rampage was mixed. Some praised the film’s mindless fun and visual spectacle, while others criticized its predictable plot and uneven tone 2. Despite the mixed reviews, Rampage resonated with audiences, grossing over $428 million worldwide against a production budget of $120 million 2.
Lanard Toys: Affordable Action for Everyone
Lanard Toys, founded in 1978, has a long history of producing affordable and action-packed toys 5. Their commitment to affordability makes their toys accessible to a wide range of consumers, offering a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive brands like Hasbro 5. This strategy is evident in their diverse product lines, including:
- The Corps!™: A long-running line of military action figures that has been around for 40 years 7. This line includes sets like the “Beast Bomber” featuring the Condor action figure and various accessories 8. Interestingly, Lanard initially released this line as “Gung-Ho!” but had to rebrand it as “The Corps!” after a legal dispute with Hasbro 9.
- Primal Clash!™: A collection of prehistoric creatures and action figures, with sets like “Dino Commanders” and “Colossal Beasts” offering a variety of dinosaurs and play features.
- Royal Breeds™: Highly collectible show horse figures with accessories 7.
- Various other lines: Including blasters, outdoor toys, and licensed products 7.
Lanard has also produced licensed toy lines for popular films like Kong: Skull Island and, of course, Rampage 10. It’s worth noting that the monster figures in their Kong: Skull Island line were given inaccurate names, such as calling the Mother Longlegs “Spider” and the Leafwing “Pterodactylus” 10.
Lanard’s Big City Brawl George: A Detailed Look
Lanard’s Rampage the Movie Big City Brawl George action figure captures the essence of the mutated gorilla. Standing at an impressive 17 inches tall, this figure towers over most other action figures 11. This large scale, combined with its affordability, makes it a unique offering in the world of Rampage merchandise and monster figures. The sculpt, designed with the expertise of the Source Horsemen 13, is detailed, with textured fur and realistic muscle definition 11. The paint job effectively captures George’s unique albino coloring, with white dry brushing over gray paint on a pink base coat 14.
While the figure boasts some articulation, it’s limited compared to higher-end collectibles. The head can move up and down and side to side, the shoulders and elbows have ball joints, and the wrists can swivel 12. The legs have cuts at the thighs, but the articulation is minimal 12. In addition to basic posing, George also has a “jaw chomping” action feature 12. The most notable feature is the “arm smash” action. By raising and slamming down George’s right arm, his mouth opens and closes 14.
Accessories and Features
The Big City Brawl George figure comes with two accessories:
- A helicopter pilot figure: This 3.75-inch figure is a generic soldier from Lanard’s The Corps! line 15. It has the standard Corps! articulation, including swivel neck, shoulders, biceps, waist, and hips, along with hinged elbows and knees 12. It comes with two small guns.
- A helicopter: This black helicopter with silver-gray details is a decent representation of the one in the film 11. It has a spinning rotor and can fit the pilot figure inside.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 17 inches tall 11 |
| Articulation | Limited, with ball joints at shoulders and elbows, swivel wrists, and minimal leg movement 12 |
| Action Feature | “Arm smash” action that opens and closes the mouth 14, “jaw chomping” action 12 |
| Accessories | Helicopter pilot figure, helicopter |
| Sculpt and Paint | Detailed sculpt with accurate coloring 11 |
| Price | Originally $14.96 6 |
Other Rampage Merchandise
Lanard also released other Rampage toys, including figures of Ralph and Lizzie, each with their own accessories 11. They also produced a line of smaller, 3.75-inch figures based on the movie, featuring more detailed sculpts and paint applications 16. For fans of the classic arcade game, Lanard released “Super Stretch” figures of George, Ralph, and Lizzie, capturing the pixelated look of the original game characters 17.
Where to Buy the Lanard George Figure
The Lanard Big City Brawl George action figure was primarily sold at Walmart stores 18. It can also be found online through retailers like Amazon, ToyWiz, and eBay 19. However, as it was released in 2018, it may be harder to find and potentially more expensive through online resellers.
Availability
Since its release in 2018, the Lanard Big City Brawl George action figure is no longer in production. Online retailers like Replay Toys and eBay list the figure as “sold out” 21. While ToyWiz claims to have it “in stock,” it’s likely that their supply is limited 19. Therefore, finding this figure may require some dedicated searching, and collectors should be prepared to potentially pay a higher price than its original retail value.
The Future of Rampage and Lanard Toys
While there haven’t been any official announcements, there is interest in a Rampage sequel 23. Dwayne Johnson and director Brad Peyton have expressed enthusiasm for continuing the story, and Warner Bros. has shown interest 23. If a sequel does happen, it’s likely that Lanard Toys would produce a new line of toys to accompany it.
Lanard Toys continues to innovate and release new products, including licensed toys for popular franchises 24. They recently produced 7-inch and 12-inch scale figures based on the Predator franchise, showcasing their ability to adapt to different scales and licenses 25. Their commitment to affordability and action-packed features ensures they will remain a significant player in the toy industry.
Conclusion
George, the albino gorilla from Rampage, is a memorable character with a unique blend of intelligence, gentleness, and destructive power. His tragic transformation and ultimate redemption resonate with audiences, making him a fan favorite. Lanard Toys’ Big City Brawl George action figure is a fun and affordable way for fans to bring home a piece of the movie’s monster mayhem. While the figure may have limited articulation, its impressive size and detailed sculpt make it a worthy addition to any Rampage or monster movie collection. The figure’s affordability reflects Lanard’s commitment to providing accessible toys for a wide range of consumers, allowing fans to recreate scenes from the movie and engage with the character in a tangible way.
…
Song and Lyrics
It’s a wild world out there, breaking down the walls,
Mega beasts unleashed, hear the echoes of their calls.
Giant gorilla, wolf with wings, and a lizard so mean,
Tearing up the city like a Hollywood scene.
💥 Crashing through the concrete, chaos in the air,
But a bond so strong, nothing can compare.
George is the hero, smashing through the fight,
In this rampage of beasts, he’s our guiding light.
[Beat drops into a heavy hip-hop rhythm]
[🎤 Hip-Hop Verse:]
Yo, it’s big George, comin’ through, he’s the king of the crew,
With Davis by his side, yeah, they know what to do.
From the lab to the streets, it’s a fight for the fate,
Monsters runnin’ wild, it’s a high-stakes chase.
[🎧 Chorus [Fusion]:]
Rampage! The battle’s begun,
Rock the city till the fight is won.
Monsters rise, but we stand tall,
With heart and courage, we’ll take them all!
[Guitar solo with a hip-hop beat mix]
[🎤 Hip-Hop Bridge:]
DNA spliced, now it’s beast mode prime,
But George stays loyal, yeah, he’s one of a kind.
Science gone crazy, but the fight’s insane,
It’s survival of the fittest in this Rampage game.
[🎸 Rock Outro:]
Roar of the wild, clash of the titans tonight,
A fight for the future under neon lights.
Rampage unites us, through thick and thin,
In this game of beasts, humanity wins!
Works cited
1. George | Wikizilla, the kaiju encyclopedia, accessed February 1, 2025, https://wikizilla.org/wiki/George
2. Rampage (2018 film) – Wikipedia, accessed February 1, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rampage_(2018_film)
3. In ‘Rampage,’ an odd couple gives monster flick a lot of heart – Watching Forever, accessed February 1, 2025, https://watchingforever.wordpress.com/2024/03/30/in-rampage-an-odd-couple-gives-monster-flick-a-lot-of-heart/
4. Screening Science: The curious genetic improbabilities of George, giant gorilla of ‘Rampage’ – Daily Bruin, accessed February 1, 2025, https://dailybruin.com/2018/04/11/screening-science-the-curious-genetic-improbabilities-of-george-giant-gorilla-of-rampage
5. Toys from the Past: #154 THE CORPS! – WAVE 1 (II) (1986), accessed February 1, 2025, https://toysfromthepast.blogspot.com/2012/05/154-corps-wave-1-ii-1986.html
6. Lanard Rampage The Movie Big City Brawl! Lizzie Action Figures – 16bit.com, accessed February 1, 2025, http://www.16bit.com/fotd/180302-rampage-big-city-brawl-lizzie.shtml
7. Our Brands – Lanard Toys, accessed February 1, 2025, https://www.lanard.com/brands
8. Lanard Toys -The Corps! 40 Years of Adventure – YouTube, accessed February 1, 2025, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B88A_4K8UEo
9. The Corps! Whipsaw Review (All Versions) – The Dragon Fortress, accessed February 1, 2025, https://thedragonfortress.com/2021/03/24/lanard-the-corps-whipsaw-review-all-versions/
10. Lanard | Wikizilla, the kaiju encyclopedia, accessed February 1, 2025, https://wikizilla.org/wiki/Lanard
11. Lanard Rampage: The Movie Big City Brawl George, Lizzie, And Ralph Figures Review, accessed February 1, 2025, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=A5Okk2wgU78&pp=ygUPI2JpZ2NpdHlyYW1wYWdl
12. Rampage Mega George Giant Action Figure Lanard Video Review – YouTube, accessed February 1, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9YZE6988wo
13. Four Horsemen Studios’ work on the Rampage monsters from Lanard, accessed February 1, 2025, https://www.sourcehorsemen.com/updates/blog/horsemen-for-hire-rampage-big-city-brawl-monsters
14. Rampage Big City Brawl George Review – YouTube, accessed February 1, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j_xJVwdqx4
15. Walmart Lanard Toys Rampage: The Movie Big City Brawl Ralph Figure Review – YouTube, accessed February 1, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOOb6wOUzYA
16. New Rampage The Movie Toys Spoted With The Rock Figures – ToyNewsI.com, accessed February 1, 2025, https://toynewsi.com/1-30361
17. Rampage Super Stretch Arcade Action Figures Lanard Video Review – YouTube, accessed February 1, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghCeNIJ1JiM
18. Rampage – Big City Brawl – Lizzie With Figure – Walmart.com, accessed February 1, 2025, https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rampage-Big-City-Brawl-Lizzie-With-Figure/785265382
19. Rampage The Movie Big City Brawl George Exclusive Figure Lanard – ToyWiz, accessed February 1, 2025, https://toywiz.com/rampage-the-movie-big-city-brawl-george-figure/
20. Lanard Rampage The Movie Big City Brawl George Exclusive Figure : Amazon.sg: Toys, accessed February 1, 2025, https://www.amazon.sg/Lanard-Rampage-George-Exclusive-Figure/dp/B079624PNF
21. Rampage The Movie Big City Brawl Lizzie Set for sale online – eBay, accessed February 1, 2025, https://www.ebay.com/p/19026411538
22. Lanard Rampage The Movie Big City Brawl George Action Figure Set – Replay Toys, accessed February 1, 2025, https://replaytoys.com/products/lanard-rampage-the-movie-big-city-brawl-george-action-figure-set
23. RAMPAGE 2 (2025) With Dwayne Johnson & Naomie Harris – YouTube, accessed February 1, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf5jqBtPnIA
24. Lanard Toys – Shop by Brand – Maisonette, accessed February 1, 2025, https://www.maisonette.com/brands/lanard-toys
25. Lanard Toys Archives – The Toyark – News, accessed February 1, 2025, https://www.toyark.com/companies/lanard-toys