Action Figure Review: Beasts of the Cenozoic – Smilodon Populator
By Nolan P. Smith
Editor, Pastrami Nation
When it comes to prehistoric perfection, few do it better than Creative Beast Studio. Their Beasts of the Mesozoic line brought dinosaurs roaring back to toy shelves in epic fashion. Now, with Beasts of the Cenozoic, the spotlight shifts to the mighty mammals that ruled after the extinction event—and leading the charge is the Smilodon Populator.
As a longtime fan of the line, I’ve been eagerly waiting for this sabertooth to arrive. So, how does it stack up? Let’s dive in.
A Fierce Sculpt and Killer Detail
The Smilodon Populator stretches in at 8 inches long and is an absolute visual stunner. Creative Beast has clearly poured their passion into this sculpt—from the finely textured fur to the muscle definition and facial features, this cat is packed with prehistoric personality.
Included in the box:
– Two swappable heads – calm and roaring
– Two pairs of paws – claws extended and retracted
– Interchangeable neck fur pieces for dynamic posing
The paintwork is excellent—realistic, bold, and perfect for collectors and photographers alike. Whether you’re building a prehistoric display or staging an epic battle, this Smilodon is ready for the spotlight.
Articulation: Room for Evolution
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. With 21 points of articulation, you’d expect a wide range of poses—but the design of the legs and hips feels limiting. Compared to the fluid articulation of the earlier Beasts of the Mesozoic dinos, this big cat takes some serious effort to position just right.
It’s not that you can’t get great poses—it just takes more time and tweaking than you’d hope for. That friction holds it back from being the standout it visually deserves to be.
Final Thoughts: A Beautiful Beast with Some Bumps
There’s no question—this figure looks phenomenal. The sculpt, the accessories, and the paint apps all exceed expectations. But the limited leg articulation keeps it from reaching legendary status.
Still, I’m optimistic. I’ve heard the brown variant of the Smilodon features improved articulation, and I’m looking forward to getting hands-on with that version soon.
If you’re a fan of prehistoric creatures or the Beasts of the Cenozoic line, the Smilodon Populator is a worthy addition.
Rating: 3.5 Pastrami Nations out of FIVE
Creative Beast Studio continues to raise the bar with their creature designs—here’s hoping articulation catches up to the sculpt in future releases!