Several months after the phenomenal success of “A Minecraft Movie,” which captivated audiences and raked in nearly billion globally, director Jared Hess has revealed that a sequel is on the horizon.
Jared Hess announces ‘A Minecraft Movie’ sequel
Hess, the creative mind behind cult classics like “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Nacho Libre,” shared the exciting news through an Instagram post, stating, “Building terrain. See you in theaters July 23, 2027.” This announcement comes as “A Minecraft Movie” proudly holds the No. 2 position for the highest-grossing film of the year, trailing only behind “Lilo & Stitch,” as reported by Variety.
In his heartfelt message, Hess expressed gratitude to the Minecraft community for their unwavering support, which played a pivotal role in the film’s remarkable success. “You all have seriously blown us away,” he noted shortly after the film’s premiere in April. “Your excitement has made ‘A Minecraft Movie’ such a bonkers experience. Seeing your costumes, songs, and reactions reminded us how incredibly creative and passionate this community is. Honestly, we’re just glad we got to craft something for you.”
The eagerly awaited sequel is set to debut on a significant date for cinema, coinciding with the release of “The Simpsons Movie.” While the plot details remain under wraps, the creative team behind “A Minecraft Movie” has hinted at the potential for exploring new worlds and characters within the expansive Minecraft universe, according to Deadline.
From ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ to ‘A Minecraft Movie’
It has been two decades since Hess’ low-budget gem “Napoleon Dynamite” made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, earning a devoted fan base. Yet, the director continues to embody the essence of independent filmmaking, even as he navigates the realm of blockbusters like “A Minecraft Movie.”
Hess has noted that the quirky humor and unique character traits that endeared “Napoleon Dynamite” to audiences are very much alive in his latest project. “Inevitably, I think I just can’t get away from my upbringing in Idaho,” he shared with the Deseret News. “A lot of those details are gonna remain in my work no matter what I do. So yes, absolutely, you’re gonna feel some major dorkiness in this film.”
While the production scale and budget for “Minecraft” were significantly larger than those of “Napoleon Dynamite,” Hess maintains his core filmmaking philosophy. “You’re trying to tell a story that has interesting characters,” he explained. “People that you care about and are rooting for.”
