By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
The groundbreaking 2009 metaverse platform is opening a pile of presents for its 15th birthday, including a new feature film.
Minecraft debuted in 2009 as both a game and a platform for digital creators, playing a major role in ushering in the age of the metaverse.
The platform has now distributed a stunning 300 million copies worldwide, and with one trillion views on YouTube, Minecraft says “what started as a game and platform for creative expression has evolved into an evergreen entertainment franchise.” Minecraft has been equally successful in the world of licensing as well, as it is currently partnered with more than 180 top drawer licensees around the world.
The big news this week is that Minecraft is now getting its own feature film. The gaming and metaverse company is working with Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures, Vertigo Entertainment and Mojang Studios on its first-ever live-action adaptation of Minecraft. The studios are scheduled to hit the big screen with A Minecraft Movie, on April 4, 2025.
The feature flick is directed by Jared Hess, (Napoleon Dynamite, NachoLibre) and will feature an A-list cast, including Jason Momoa (Aquaman, Game of Thrones, Dune), Jack Black (Kung Fu Panda, The Mandalorian, Super Mario Bros. Movie), Emma Myers (Wednesday), Danielle Brooks (Peacemaker, Orange Is the New Black), Sebastian Eugene Hansen (Lisey’s Story), with Jennifer Coolidge (White Lotus), and Kate McKinnon (Barbie).
Minecraft says the movie is designed to offer its millions of fans “a new perspective on the world they know and love. The Minecraft community can expect stunning visuals that capture the iconic blocky aesthetic of Minecraft while also expanding upon it to create a visually rich and immersive world.”
As well, Mojang is working in conjunction with Warner Bros. to deliver the film’s vision into a multi-category licensing and promotional program.
“We are excited to see Jared Hess’ vision of Minecraft come to life with exciting and dynamic performances from the stellar ensemble cast,” said Federico San Martin, Global Head of Consumer Products for Minecraft. “The film serves as a significant expansion of the Minecraft franchise into the realm of film and entertainment media and will introduce the Minecraft universe to new audiences who may not be familiar with the game, further increasing the franchise’s reach and cultural impact.
“We look forward to meeting potential partners at Licensing Expo to explore new product collaborations to support the movie’s release next year!”
Speaking of licensing, San Martin and his team have been busy this year, adding new partners in several categories. In particular, he says new products for the brand will soon be available for the first time in the Beauty and Consumer Electronics categories through multiple partners that will be announced in coming weeks.
In addition, Mojang Studios has also signed new partners and products, including Colgate (oral care), PEZ (collectible candy), Igloo (coolers), Felt Right (home décor), Give and Go (cookie and structure kits), Krusteaz (Buck Wild Savory Snack Mix), Bright Matter books (workbooks), Minecraft Go Gurt (yogurt), Dynacraft (bikes), DK Children (Minecraft Ideas Book), as well as the Minecraft: Official Pop Up Book by Matthew Rinehardt. Additionally, Secretlab is launching a new Enderman gaming chair skin and Wolf lumbar pillow which will debut this month.
Another major initiative sees Minecraft partnered with Walmart on a nationwide retail launch, with branded products from several licensing partners, including a collection from Justice, featuring an array of tops, bottoms, accessories, sleep sets, and swimwear.
“Over the past three years, we have been working tirelessly to rapidly ramp up Minecraft’s consumer products business with fresh and relevant products by focusing our efforts on category expansion, retailer relationships, and international growth through our agent partnerships with Retail Monster, CAA, and Merchantwise,” San Martin said. “As we celebrate 15 years and look forward to the next 10, 15, 20, our focus remains on creating unique physical and digital Minecraft experiences to further engage our loyal global community and delight new generations, as we continue to launch new products, games, movies, experiential opportunities, and more.
Companies interested in earning more about licensing opportunities with Minecraft can contact the company by email at MinecraftCP@microsoft.com.