A Minecraft Movie Premieres to Record-Breaking Success
The VFX Guild recently attended the New Zealand premiere of A Minecraft Movie, a live-action/animation hybrid that brings the iconic game's blocky universe to the big screen. Filmed with support from the NZ Screen Production Rebate, the film showcases the exceptional talent and capabilities of our local VFX and wider screen industry.
The visual effects were a collaborative effort among industry leaders, including Wētā FX, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and Digital Domain, under the supervision of Oscar-winning VFX supervisor Dan Lemmon (The Jungle Book, The Batman). Director Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Thelma the Unicorn) aimed to capture the essence of the game by recreating the experiences players have when first exploring Minecraft.
Since its release on April 4, 2025, A Minecraft Movie has achieved remarkable box office success. In its opening weekend, the film grossed $163 million in North America, surpassing the previous record held by The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023). Read more.
We extend our gratitude to the New Zealand Film Commission for their support and for inviting the VFX Guild to the premiere. This achievement underscores the strength and creativity of New Zealand's screen production industry.
For a more in-depth look at the VFX process behind A Minecraft Movie, you can read a full article via the link below.