It’s Always Sunny’s Rob McElhenney to direct the Minecraft movie

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Warner Bros has found a new director to shepherd their movie version of the best-selling Minecraft video game. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney in in talks to helm the film. While Deadline says the deal is not yet final. Details have not been revealed yet, but Minecraft creator Mojang is reporting the news as well.

McElhenney has no feature directing experience but was part of a trio that includes Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day who produced the pilot for FX hit It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia on camcorders without any financial backing. That series has now completed ten seasons with two more on the way. McElhenney also directed a test reel and pitch reel for Legendary Entertainment to make his directing debut on a film called FIGMENT, which he wrote as well. That film is described as an action family film about a boy and his dog who have to battle the kid's fears come to life.

Minecraft, for those of you living under a rock for the past five years, is a largely plotless game that allows players to build their own world using pixel shapes. The worlds can be populated with dragons, zombies, and other foes, but it is mainly an open world forum to be as creative as possible. Warner Bros is likely looking to develop a franchise akin to THE LEGO MOVIE but it will be very important to strike the right tone and plot to draw in existing fans and build new ones. From the sounds of FIGMENT, McElhenney is a good choice.

MINECRAFT currently has no release date, but I would expect more details to arrive shortly.