- Breaking the routine went viral at the Paris Olympics
- Fans want Raygun to have his own figure
- Dedicated fans can now create their own
Australian breakdancing viral star Ray Gun is pushing to be immortalised as a collectible toy – and it could become a reality.
Following Raygun’s viral performance at the Paris Olympics, where he hopped like a kangaroo and posed like a T-Rex to come in last place, there have been posts on Facebook and Reddit calling for a Funko Pop figure to be made in his honor.
Funko Pops have become a cultural phenomenon, with a huge global fan base and frequent collaborations with major franchises in film, television, video games and more.
Funko Pop originally began in 1998 when a toy collector wanted to create a toy mascot for a restaurant franchise in Michigan. The company evolved under new ownership in 2005, leading to the creation of the first Funko Pop figures.
Today, there are over 8,300 unique Funko Pop designs, ranging from pop culture icons to niche collectibles, contributing to the company’s impressive $1.32 billion in revenue in 2022.
Now some fans believe that Raygun should be the next to be immortalized.
“I think an Australian breakdancer performance at these Olympics would sell out,” one fan posted.
“Haha, that’s so cool. What category would this fit into? Icons?” asked another.
“I would buy it immediately,” said another.
The authentic Raygun will perform at the Paris Olympics after its launch in 2024
The proposed design for a Raygun Funko Pop figure, while not official, fans want it to be.
Particularly dedicated fans can download the file to 3D print their own Rayfun Funko Pop.
While there’s been no official word from Funko on a Raygun figure, dedicated fans can download a file to 3D print their own version.
A digital mockup was posted on Facebook and a budding entrepreneur created an unbranded 3D printed version that is now available for sale online.
Some believe the Raygun Funko Pop could spark an entire Olympics series, including other meme-worthy athletes like Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec.
“Next we need the Turkish shooter (cat included), the pretty Italian girl with the block of cheese (Giorgia Villa) and the pretty Chinese girl (Zhou Yaqin) biting the medal,” suggested one fan.
“I want all the Olympic athletes I love to be done in Funko style. Especially the pole vaulter,” another posted.
“Can we get Olympic Snoop Dogg funkos in all the different outfits he made?” another asked.
But not everyone was so enthusiastic about the idea, saying that Funko Pop status should only be awarded to athletes who achieve something beyond internet notoriety.
“And it’s going to end up in the landfill like the last ones. I love Funko but at this point they’re willing to put out anything,” one person posted.
“No, I don’t think his performance needs more attention. But athletes who perform impressive routines would deserve to be turned into Funko Pops,” added another.
“Praising someone who stole an opportunity from someone who deserved it. Someone who cheated the system. Good job,” another fumed.
“Good chew toy for dogs. Save it for the real Olympic heroes,” added another.