The Minecraft Movie, starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, has proved a massive commercial success, and Warner Bros’ bosses have now confirmed a sequel is in the works
The Minecraft Movie is on the brink of smashing box office records as its earnings skyrocket. The film, featuring Hollywood big shots Jason Momoa and Jack Black, has sparked a cinema craze despite causing chaos at several nationwide screenings.
Numerous fights have broken out during the film’s run, with some fans even bringing live chickens to the screening in a cheeky nod to an in-game joke. While cinema staff may be fearing the film’s impact on their venues, the box office is raking in millions from ticket sales. In just two weekends, the film has already raked in a whopping $550.6 million worldwide.
Equating to around £416.3million, over half of the revenue for the film was generated outside of the United States, according to Deadline. It also could be about to break another major record in yet another win for actor Jack Black.
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According to the latest data, the film is already ahead of the Super Mario Bros. Movie, which had racked up $508million after just nine days of being released. The film – also starring Tenacious D star Jack – would go on to gross $1.36billion by the end of its theatrical run.
With an opening weekend earning of $157 million in the US alone, the Minecraft movie broke the record for the highest-grossing film adaptation of a video game, surpassing all expectations. However, the film fell short of securing the international record for an opening weekend, making $301 million compared to Super Mario Bros’ $377 million.
The UK has proven to be a massive hit for the movie, becoming its biggest earner outside the US with ticket sales raking in nearly $40 million. Countries such as China, Germany, Mexico and Australia trailed behind, with takings ranging from $18.5 million to $20.3 million.
Despite receiving an underwhelming 49% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has undoubtedly achieved commercial success. It seems fans of the gaming series are undeterred by the negative reviews, instead flocking to cinemas for the excitement of the movie experience, regardless of whether it receives critical acclaim.
In a conversation with Video Games Chronicle, David A. Gross, a consultant on the film, observed: “The film is drawing like a coveted five-quadrant movie, appealing broadly to everyone – younger and older adults, as well as young teens and kids.Reviews are not good, but these pictures are made for moviegoers, not critics; when a release catches fire like this, it generates its own momentum and you can set aside all projections. “.
The buzz surrounding the film is so great that it has sparked discussion of a potential sequel, possibly marking the beginning of a Minecraft movie series. The vast range of mods available in the game has provided a wealth of creative inspiration, with director Jared Hess indicating that he’s open to pursuing further instalments of the saga.
Noting Minecraft’s “virtually endless” potential for storytelling. On Friday, Warner Bros’ executive Mike De Luca sparked excitement by announcing that a sequel is indeed in the works and will arrive “imminently”. However, they added a note of caution, stating, “The ink may not be dry on the deals just yet.”