film industry Archives

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

Double the Fun? ‘A Minecraft Movie’ Sequel ‘Squared’ Unveiled

'A Minecraft Movie Squared' is set to be released in theaters on July 23, 2027. The announcement was made during the Minecraft Live broadcast by Warner Bros. and Legendary, confirming the title and release date. Jason Momoa and Jack Black will reprise their roles, with Kirsten Dunst joining the cast as Alex. Director Jared Hess and screenwriters Hess and Chris Galletta will return for the sequel. Filming is currently taking place in New Zealand. The original film, released in 2025, grossed approximately 0 million worldwide and set a record for the highest-grossing opening for a video game adaptation.

AppWizard

May 27, 2026

How this 20-year-old went from building worlds in Minecraft to making Hollywood movies

Kane Parsons, a 20-year-old filmmaker, began creating intricate worlds at age 10 and is set to release his debut feature film, Backrooms, on May 28. The film follows an architect-turned-furniture store owner who discovers a hidden portal leading to a maze of unsettling rooms, prompting his therapist to rescue him. Parsons was inspired by an internet image related to the "Backrooms" concept, which he initially interpreted using 3D graphics software, leading to a viral YouTube video with over 78 million views. He signed a deal with indie studio A24 and collaborated with notable industry figures, including horror producer James Wan and director Osgood Perkins. The film features actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve and represents Parsons' vision of a haunting journey through a labyrinthine reality.

AppWizard

May 24, 2026

Epic reveals first Unreal Engine 6 game, and it’s not Fortnite

Epic Games has announced Unreal Engine 6 during the Paris Major of the Rocket League Championship Series, showcasing enhanced vehicles and cinematic gameplay in a brief clip. The engine has gained popularity among developers, including CD Projekt and indie creators, and is also used in the film industry by studios like Disney. Unreal Engine 5 has seen significant adoption but faced criticism for performance issues, particularly on PC, despite Fortnite running smoothly on it. The reveal of Unreal Engine 6 is more subdued than the announcement of Unreal Engine 5. The trailer hints at Epic's broader metaverse ambitions, featuring other Epic titles and suggesting a vision for interconnected experiences. Tim Sweeney has indicated that Fortnite will evolve into a platform for independent developers and interoperable games in 2024.

AppWizard

May 15, 2026

A Minecraft Movie 2 has officially started filming

Filming for A Minecraft Movie 2 is currently underway, with production confirmed by actor Kirsten Dunst, who will portray Alex. The sequel follows the original film's success, which grossed nearly a billion dollars at the box office. Directed by Jard Hess, the film features a cast that includes Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Matt Berry, and Jennifer Coolidge. A Minecraft Movie 2 is scheduled for release on July 23, 2027.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Minecraft Movie 2: What do we know so far about the sequel

A sequel to A Minecraft Movie is in development, with a release date set for July 23, 2027. Mojang is collaborating with Warner Bros Pictures, and filming is scheduled to begin in April 2026 in New Zealand. The original cast, including Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Sebastian Hansen, Emma Myers, and Danielle Brooks, will return, and Kirsten Dunst will join as Alex, the first female default character skin from Minecraft. The plot is speculated to involve enchantments or a journey to The End, with hints from a teaser poster featuring glowing purple pickaxes.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Kirsten Dunst Will Star in A MINECRAFT MOVIE Sequel

Kirsten Dunst has confirmed her participation in the sequel to A Minecraft Movie, motivated by her children's enthusiasm for the game. The returning cast includes Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Danielle Brooks, Matt Berry, and Jennifer Coolidge. The original film grossed nearly a billion dollars globally, setting high expectations for the sequel, which is scheduled for release on July 23, 2027.

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.