film industry Archives

AppWizard

December 20, 2025

Roy Lee Grossed $9B From Movies Like ‘Weapons’ and ‘Minecraft’ But What He Really Wants to Do Is Make ‘Calvin & Hobbes’

Roy Lee, a 56-year-old mega-producer in the film industry, has produced or executive produced eleven films in 2025, including New Line’s sci-fi thriller Companion and Warner Bros.’ The Minecraft Movie, which nearly reached a billion at the box office. He is known for his subdued approach to filmmaking, preferring to empower the creative talents he collaborates with rather than seeking the spotlight. Lee began his career in the 1990s as an assistant at Alphaville Films and pioneered one of Hollywood’s first online script tracking services. He has successfully adapted works from literary icons like Stephen King, securing the rights to The Long Walk after adapting It. Lee emphasizes his focus on the creative process over awards and expresses optimism about the future of Hollywood, particularly regarding new technologies like artificial intelligence.

AppWizard

November 6, 2025

T-Minus Zero acquired from NetEase

T-Minus Zero Entertainment has transitioned from ownership under NetEase to becoming an independent entity. Earlier this year, the studio faced the possibility of closure due to NetEase Games restructuring. The team reflected on their achievements during their time with NetEase, highlighting their world-class team, a bold new IP, and a fully playable prototype. The studio has received positive feedback from players, partners, and industry peers, reinforcing their belief in the market potential of their creations. A small group of veteran directors and founders has acquired the studio to preserve its spirit while pursuing independence. T-Minus Zero plans to adopt a refined development model inspired by the independent film industry, focusing on distinct projects and partnership-friendly funding.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

Warner Bros’ A Minecraft Movie targets Best Picture, Director and Actor after impressive $957M box office haul

Warner Bros. is developing a highly anticipated Minecraft movie, aiming for awards consideration. The film features a collaboration of experienced filmmakers and writers focused on creating an authentic narrative that appeals to both gamers and a wider audience. It will utilize advanced animation techniques to replicate the game's blocky aesthetic, providing a vibrant visual experience. The story will explore themes of creativity, adventure, and teamwork, reflecting the core elements of the Minecraft game. Warner Bros. is engaging with the Minecraft community during development and is positioning the film for recognition during award season, highlighting its artistic and storytelling merits.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

A Minecraft Movie Launches “For Your Consideration” Awards Campaign

A Minecraft Movie has launched an awards campaign for recognition at events like the Academy Awards and Golden Globes, as announced by Warner Bros. Released earlier this year, the film has received positive reviews and impressive box office performance, currently ranking as the third-highest-grossing film of 2025. It is competing for major awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Jared Hess, and Best Actor for Jack Black, along with potential nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects, and Best Original Song for "I Feel Alive." A sequel is already in production.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

“Simpscraft”: The “Minecraft Movie” and “Simpsons Movie” sequels to be released on the same day, prompting Barbenheimer comparisons

The Simpsons Movie 2 and A Minecraft Movie 2 are both set to premiere on July 23, 2027. This marks two decades after the original The Simpsons Movie was released, and follows the success of the first Minecraft Movie in 2025, which was one of the highest-grossing films of that year. Fans are playfully dubbing the event “Simpscraft” due to the tonal similarities between the two franchises. The original The Simpsons Movie grossed 6.4 million against a budget of million, while the first A Minecraft Movie earned 7.8 million from a 0 million budget. Both franchises have dedicated fan bases, with The Simpsons airing since 1989 and Minecraft since 2011. Major studios may reconsider their strategies in light of this dual release.

AppWizard

October 13, 2025

Hollywood Minute: ‘Minecraft’ sequel, Elton John reissue, and a groundbreaking new film 41NBC News

Warner Bros. announced a sequel to A Minecraft Movie, set to release in IMAX theaters on July 23, 2027, with director Jared Hess returning. Elton John is reissuing his album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy on October 24, in LP, CD, and digital formats, to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The film "Dear Luke, Love, Me," directed by Guillermo Díaz, will premiere on Apple TV+ on October 10, exploring themes of queer-platonic love, asexuality, and identity.

AppWizard

October 10, 2025

A Minecraft Movie sequel greenlit for July 23, 2027

Warner Bros. is developing a sequel to A Minecraft Movie, scheduled for release on July 23, 2027. Director Jared Hess will return to direct and co-write the screenplay with Chris Galletta. The original film, released earlier this year, grossed million domestically and million globally during its opening weekend, surpassing initial projections. By the end of its first month, it had earned 0 million worldwide, making it the second highest-grossing film of 2025, behind Disney's live-action Lilo and Stitch. Following the film's release, there was a 30% increase in Minecraft's monthly active users, with 54% being lapsed players returning to the game.

AppWizard

October 10, 2025

The Biggest Video Game Movie Of The Decade Is Getting A Sequel

Warner Bros. Pictures has confirmed a sequel to The Minecraft Movie, set to be released on July 23, 2027. The original film, featuring Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, and Jennifer Coolidge, was highly successful, nearly reaching a billion in box office earnings and becoming the most successful live-action video game adaptation, second only to The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The sequel will debut alongside a new Simpsons movie. Specific plot details are not yet available, but it is expected to retain elements from the original, including whimsical creatures and Jack Black's presence.

AppWizard

August 31, 2025

Could Gen Alpha Save Movie Theaters? New Survey Shows Why ‘Minecraft’ and ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Had Huge Success With Kids

A study by NRG reveals that 59% of Generation Alpha prefers watching films in theaters over home viewing, compared to 48% of Gen Z, 45% of Millennials, and 45% of Gen X. The study indicates that Gen Alpha views moviegoing as a social event, with 55% preferring to attend films with friends. Fewer than 10% of children under 13 regularly use their phones in theaters. The top franchises resonating with Gen Alpha include "Roblox," "Minecraft," "Fortnite," "Grand Theft Auto," and "Pokemon." Additionally, 29% of Gen Alpha expressed interest in attending singalong screenings, 65% preferred premium formats like IMAX, and 54% desired more 3D films or virtual reality experiences.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Kirsten Dunst Pitching Herself For A Minecraft Movie Sequel Wasn’t On My Bingo Card, But I Appreciate Her Honest Pitch

Kirsten Dunst is set to star in the 2025 movie Roofman alongside Channing Tatum, marking her first appearance since Civil War. She expressed interest in directing in the future but prefers to wait until her sixties. Dunst is enthusiastic about the possibility of starring in Minecraft 2, as her children enjoyed the first film. She humorously noted that while she could show them her Spider-Man films, they might not be ready for that yet.