If you’ve spent any time scouring the internet for the perfect Leon S Kennedy statue, you already know the struggle. It’s a literal minefield of bootlegs, overpriced resale listings, and "limited editions" that don't actually feel all that special once they're on your shelf. Honestly, Leon is probably the most "sculpted" man in gaming history at this point.
From the RPD rookie days to the grizzled agent we see in the latest Resident Evil Requiem trailers, every version of Leon Scott Kennedy has a piece of plastic (or high-end polystone) dedicated to it. But here’s the thing: 2026 is shaping up to be the most expensive year ever for Leon fans. Between the massive Prime 1 Studio releases finally shipping and Capcom's new "Figure Builder" line, you're gonna have to make some tough choices.
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The Resident Evil Requiem Shift: Why 2026 is Different
The big news right now is the Resident Evil Requiem 1/6 scale lineup. Capcom just confirmed these are coming in late 2026, and they’re doing something a bit weird. Instead of a traditional solo pose, the new Leon S. Kennedy figure is designed to "snap" together with the new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft.
They’re part of the Capcom Figure Builder Creator’s Model series. If you’re used to the smaller blind-box figures, don't worry—these are the big ones. We're talking about 30cm (roughly 12 inches) of DSO tactical gear and gritty realism. The Leon model alone is priced at 28,600 yen, which is roughly $195 USD depending on how the exchange rate treats you that week.
What’s interesting is the release schedule. Grace drops first in September 2026, while Leon doesn't ship until November 19, 2026. It’s a long wait. Capcom is leaning hard into the "material texture" angle this time around. They’ve spent months talking about how the sculptors differentiated the heavy cotton of his tactical pants from the nylon of his gear. It sounds like marketing fluff, but for $200, you kind of want to see those micro-textures.
Breaking Down the Prime 1 Studio Behemoths
If $200 sounds like a lot, you might want to sit down before looking at the Prime 1 Studio 1/4 scale pieces. These are the "endgame" for most collectors. Specifically, the Resident Evil 4 remake statue that captures Leon in that iconic village stance.
- The Regular Version: Costs about $1,199. It’s huge. 64cm tall.
- The "Versus" Diorama: This one features Leon squaring off against the Chainsaw Villager (Dr. Salvador). It’ll set you back $1,775.
- Bonus Parts: The "Bonus Version" includes an extra right hand holding the fighting knife, which is a neat nod to the remake's parry mechanic.
Shipping for these is slated for Q3 2026, roughly between May and August. These aren't just toys; they’re 10kg blocks of polystone. The base is littered with Los Iluminados cult emblems and even those little blue request notes you find pinned to trees in the game. It’s that level of insane detail that makes people justify spending a mortgage payment on a Leon S Kennedy statue.
Spotting the Fakes (The "Shiny" Problem)
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the $40 bootlegs on eBay and AliExpress. Look, we've all been tempted. But "kinda close" usually looks terrible in person.
Real official statues—especially the ones that came in the Resident Evil 2 and 3 Collector's Editions—have a very specific matte finish. Bootlegs are almost always "shiny." It’s the cheap PVC they use. If Leon’s skin looks like he just rubbed himself in baby oil, it’s a fake.
Another dead giveaway is the eyes. Official Capcom-licensed products from Kotobukiya or PureArts have clean, focused irises. Knockoffs often have "derp eyes" where one eye is looking at the Ganado and the other is looking for a sandwich.
Why the Kotobukiya ARTFX Still Holds Up
You don't always have to go for the newest thing. The Resident Evil: Vendetta Leon S. Kennedy ARTFX statue (the Renewal Package) is still a gold standard for many. It’s 1/6 scale, fits on a standard bookshelf, and usually retails for around $150.
The pose is inspired by the "gun-fu" hallway scene from the movie. He’s holding the Sentinel Nine, looking like he’s about to clear a room. It’s PVC, sure, but the sculpt by Kotobukiya’s internal team has a "flow" to the clothing that most static statues miss. It doesn't feel like a block of wood; it feels like a snapshot of movement.
Is the "Interlocking Base" a Gimmick?
The upcoming Requiem statues feature a diorama base that connects Leon and Grace. Some collectors hate this. Why? Because it basically "forces" you to buy both if you want the display to look complete.
If you just buy Leon, you’re left with a base that has a weird flat edge where Grace is supposed to slot in. It's a clever (or annoying) sales tactic. However, Capcom has confirmed they can be displayed separately. If you’re a Leon purist, you can just ignore the other half, but your shelf might feel a bit lopsided.
Practical Advice for Your Next Purchase
Buying a high-end statue isn't like buying a standard action figure. You need to think about logistics.
First, check the weight. A 1/4 scale polystone statue can weigh 25 pounds. A glass IKEA Detolf shelf might not handle that long-term without bowing. You’ll want something reinforced.
Second, watch the UV light. This is the biggest killer of statues. Direct sunlight will fade Leon’s iconic brown jacket into a weird sickly yellow over a couple of years. If you’re spending $1,200 on a Prime 1 piece, keep it away from the window.
Lastly, always check the underside of the base. Official merchandise will have the Capcom copyright and the manufacturer’s logo (like Darkside Collectibles or PureArts) embossed or printed there. If the bottom of the stand is just blank plastic, you've probably been scammed.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Measure your space: Before pre-ordering the 64cm Prime 1 Leon, ensure you have at least 70cm of vertical clearance.
- Verify the seller: If buying from eBay, only look for listings that show the actual box and the Capcom holographic sticker.
- Decide your scale: If you want a "set," stick to 1/6 scale (like the Kotobukiya or the new Requiem models). They’re easier to group together than the massive 1/4 scale ones.
- Pre-order early: Official Capcom store (e-Capcom) listings for the November 2026 Leon statue are already seeing high traffic; getting in now avoids the 300% markup on the secondary market later.