‘Minecraft’ Movie Delayed: Rob McElhenney Out as Director, Nee Brothers Tapped to Write (Exclusive)

Video game adaptation was originally slated to be released in May 2019

Minecraft Movie
Microsoft

Warner Bros.’ adaptation of the hit videogame “Minecraft” is undergoing a major rebuild as director and co-writer Rob McElhenney has dropped out of the project — which is no longer on track for a May 2019 release, TheWrap has learned.

“No, that is not happening,” the star of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” told TheWrap.

In addition, Warner Bros. has tapped the writer/director duo of Aaron and Adam Nee to write a new script based on the popular game that boasts 100 million users worldwide. Jason Fuchs (“Wonder Woman”) wrote the previous draft of the screenplay with McElhenney.

The change of direction should push back the May 24, 2019 release date the studio announced two years ago, an individual with knowledge of the production told TheWrap.

“Minecraft,” introduced to gamers in 2009 by creator Markus “Notch” Persson, has become a global phenomenon that allows players to create avatars and build virtual worlds.

Roy Lee (“The Lego Movie”) will produce the “Minecraft” movie under his Vertigo Entertainment banner along with Jill Messick.

Aaron and Adam Nee, who wrote and directed the 2015 indie “Band of Robbers,” are attached to direct “Masters of the Universe” for Sony Pictures and Mattel.

Sony has set “Masters of the Universe” to be released on Dec. 18, 2019. The project is written by David S. Goyer, who is also an executive producer. Set on the planet Eternia, the story follows a warrior named Prince Adam who turns into the heroic He-Man and battles a villain named Skeletor out to conquer Castle Grayskull.

The Nee brothers are represented by CAA.

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