So here’s my two cents.
First off, I don’t think Lego is in any way being disrespectful. The little hints and nods to the old theme have been nothing but a joy for me.
Now going forward I do have a few opinions. First of all, Bionicle’s 20 year anniversary is coming up. I absolutely think Lego should do something for that. But it’s also likely that they won’t do anything. They don’t have to do anything. So the fact that they do what they’ve been doing is fantastic.
Though I think we should try to make a comparison on what Lego could be doing. Lets take a look at Clutch Powers.
The first time that Clutch was referenced after his movie (to my knowledge) was in that one episode of Ninjago with the talent show thing. It wasn’t anything more than a simple name drop, but I still really appreciated it. It’s the equivalent to the quick picture cameo Bionicle got.
But fast forward to now, and good 'ol Clutch is getting a staring role in the next Ninjago season. This would have neen equivalent to Takanuva getting into the movie.
Now lets be honest. The only way Bionicle will get a major reference outside of a set easter egg will erither be in Ninjago or a Lego Movie. (By the way, there was a reference in the Lego Batman movie. Bionicle Man was a movie title above a movie theater)
Now here’s the thing about Clutch. The target demographic won’t know who Clutch Powers is. His inclusion was entirely to make old fans like us happy.
Now Bionicle is a lot different than most of Lego’s other stuff. They can’t just slip it in like they did with Clutch. But it isn’t impossible.