Rob McElhenney Is No Longer Directing The Minecraft Movie
Rob McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia) has confirmed to The Wrap that he is no longer attached to direct Warner Bros’ long-awaited Minecraft movie, simply saying: “No, that is not happening.”
The outlet reports that following his departure, the studio has tapped writing partners Aaron and Adam Nee (Band of Robbers) to rewrite the screenplay. The previous draft had been penned by McElhenney and Jason Fuchs (Wonder Woman). In addition, the film is unlikely to make its previously scheduled May 24, 2019 release date.
The Minecraft movie, based on Markus “Notch” Persson’s video game that encourages players to build blocky, immersive worlds. The game hit consoles back in 2009, and became a huge hit before the big-screen adaptation was first announced two years ago. Now, as the production looks for a new director, it’s unlikely to meet its planned release date in May of 2019. Roy Lee and Jill Messick are still attached to produce the film for Vertigo Entertainment.
Aaron and Adam Nee are also attached to write and direct The Masters of the Universe for Sony. Based on the popular Mattel toys and children’s cartoon that tell the adventures of He-Man in his mythical land of Eternia, the film is planning for a December 2019 release date.
McElhenney, meanwhile, is currently working on an untitled sitcom pilot with collaborator Rob Rossell. The pilot will star Rob Riggle, Kaitlyn Olson, and Leah Remini, and is currently eyeing a midseason premiere for 2019 or beyond.
