With the releases ofSonic the HedgehogandDetective Pikachuboth becoming sensational box office success stories, it’s clear there’s no better time than the present for studios to put video game movie adaptations into production. Fans already know that anUnchartedmovie, aTomb Raidersequel, and aFive Night At Freddy’sbig-screen adaptation are on their way in the next few years. Another film joining that list will be theMinecraftmovie, however, as many know, the project has gone through many changes since its announcement.
Perhaps the biggest wasIt’s Always Sunny In Philadelphiacreator and star Rob McElhenney’s version of the film falling through. Although it was also uncertain why McElhenney’s script eventually never made it to the big screen, the world-renown sitcom star has opened up about why his cinematic vision for the smash-hit video game never came to be.
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Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused Podcast, McElhenney claimed that his departure from theMinecraftfilm came after Greg Silverman stepped down as chief for Warner Brothers film output and Toby Emmerich took his place. Supposedly, Emmerich was unenthusiastic about the story, which was especially damning seen as the film would’ve cost $150 million to produce. In turn, the studio decided to replace McElhenney with Peter Sollett, who will seemingly be directing the version of theMinecraftmovie set to release in 2022.
McElhenney also elaborated more on what hisMinecraftadaptation would’ve focused on, claiming that he “thought one of the greatest assets toMinecraftwas they didn’t have a fixed narrative. It was an open-world experience.” He continues, stating “All you were essentially given was the building blocks to do whatever you want. I thought, what an amazing tool, much like LEGOs except now you’re talking about infinite possibilities because it’s digital, to give to kids–and not just kids, but any person who feels powerless.” McElhenney finished by claiming he “felt like that could extend to other people.”
McElhenney’s version of the script was also set to star Steve Carell and the director had supposedly picked up some creative tricks from Pixar veterans to help in creating the movie. Evidently theIt’s Always SunnyIn Philadelphiamainstay had a very distinct and faithful idea surrounding how to adapt the incredibly popular game, so it’s a shame fans will never get to see his vision for the franchise. Luckily, it seems McElhenney didn’t stray far from transferring video game concepts to the screen, with his new game developer comedyMythic Questtaking off very recently. Here’s to hoping he’ll get another opportunity at video game adaptations at some point in the future.
AMinecraftfilm adaptation is currently in production and will be released on June 19, 2025.
