In the wake of the cinematic triumph that saw “The LEGO Movie” gross over $468 million globally, Mojang Studios began to explore the possibility of transforming its beloved building-block game, “Minecraft,” into a feature film. The search for a director commenced, and the studio sought someone who could bring a similar comedic flair to the project as Chris Miller and Phil Lord did for LEGO.
Rob McElhenney Almost Made the Minecraft Movie
Initially, “Night at the Museum” director Shawn Levy was attached to helm the project, but he departed shortly thereafter, paving the way for Rob McElhenney, the creative force behind “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” While his background in adult comedy raised eyebrows regarding his suitability for a family-friendly film, history has shown that unconventional choices can yield surprising results—consider George Miller’s transition from “Mad Max” to “Happy Feet.”
McElhenney’s enthusiasm for the project was palpable. A devoted fan of “Minecraft,” he enjoyed playing the game with his sons and saw immense potential in its open-ended nature. He believed that the game offered a unique opportunity to explore themes of agency and empowerment, stating, “I think everybody feels marginalized to an extent… The game gave you that, and I thought that’s a really profound experience.” His vision included a narrative that emphasized players taking control of their experiences in a digital landscape, a concept that resonated with Warner Bros., who agreed to invest $150 million into the film.
Changes at Warner Bros. Shook Things Up
However, the winds of change swept through Warner Bros. in 2016 when Greg Silverman departed, and Toby Emmerich took the reins. Emmerich’s approach aimed for a more controlled studio environment, which clashed with McElhenney’s expansive vision. As a result, the project began to lose its initial momentum.
Despite this setback, McElhenney found new avenues for his creativity, working on the Apple TV+ series “Mythic Quest,” which delves into the inner workings of a video game studio. While this project diverged from the lightheartedness associated with “A Minecraft Movie,” McElhenney expressed no hard feelings about the film’s direction, understanding the industry’s complexities. Interestingly, he may still receive credit as part of the film’s writing team, despite his absence from the project for nearly a decade.
The Long Road to a Finished A Minecraft Movie Screenplay
The journey of “A Minecraft Movie” has been marked by numerous changes, akin to the frequent updates of the game itself. Following McElhenney’s departure, a parade of writers and directors joined the project. At one point, “Frozen 2” screenwriter Allison Schroeder was involved, and Steve Carell was even slated to star, a role now filled by Jack Black.
With so many contributors to the screenplay, the film’s credits remain a topic of uncertainty, likely to be resolved through WGA arbitration. Currently, the Internet Movie Database lists six screenwriters associated with “A Minecraft Movie,” including McElhenney, Schroeder, Peter Sollett, Jon Spaights, Hubbel Palmer, and Chris Bowman. Ultimately, the film found its director in Jared Hess, known for “Napoleon Dynamite,” and is slated for release in theaters on April 4, 2025. As the project continues to evolve, the hope remains that Warner Bros. will clarify the screenwriting credits before the film’s debut.
