The news comes following Dunst’s comments last August that she’d like to be a part of the ‘Minecraft’ follow-up since her kids love it and, “maybe I can just make a movie where I don’t lose money?”
The tale of a robot whose delivery container crash lands on an isolated island populated entirely by animals, it embraces themes such as figuring out who you really need to be beyond who you’re told to be, and kindness as a survival method.
DreamWorks has, like every other animation studio of late, been a little hit-and-miss when it comes to its output. Recognizable properties such as the latest ‘Kung Fu Panda’ offering and ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (the latter showing a healthy willingness to experiment, particularly with animation style) have been successes while branching out into newer territory such as ‘Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken’ have seen less of a profitable return (it didn’t help that the latter was more blandly generic than even the latest ‘Shrek’ spin-off).
So it’s good to see that the studio is still willing to take risks, including this adaptation of Peter Brown’s book. It’s a relatively simply narrative, but it does have a lot of heart. A few issues here and there aside, ‘The Wild Robot’ is a welcome, stylish addition to the company’s roster, though seems less likely to generate multiple spin-offs (but don’t count out the franchise-happy team out entirely, particularly if this scores at the box office).
Chris Sanders is a reliable, experienced filmmaker for both DreamWorks and, before that, Disney, and here his talent for finding relatable stories in offbeat places remains fully intact. After all, this is the man who (along with Dean DeBlois, who would run the franchise) helped turn ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ into a sensation.
‘The Wild Robot’ also feels of a piece with one of Sanders’ earlier movies –– ‘Lilo & Stitch’ with its combination of family themes and physical comedy. It’s not as anarchic as that film, but there are plenty of entertaining characters, and while the writer/director’s script sometimes falls into schmaltziness, there’s enough of an edge that it is largely undercut by something funny.
There are few surprises here in the storytelling about a robot who crash lands on an island, learns to interact with the local wildlife and ends up taking care of an orphaned runt of a gosling with the help of a fox. Bonding and learning new ways to live are at the forefront, along with overcoming prejudice.
Yet it’s in the visuals that the movie itself really soars. DreamWorks has, in the post-Spider-Verse world, shown a willingness to try new styles as first glimpsed with ‘The Bad Guys’ and with ‘Wild Robot,’ that is taken to the next level, its painterly beauty a thing to behold. It really does look like a beautiful children’s tome brought into animated existence and there are some jaw-dropping shots to be found here, not to mention some appealing character designs.
Performances
Built around a superb central voice role from Lupita Nyong’o, the film has a few performances worth noting…
Playing the robot of the title, Nyong’o strikes several sympathetic tones here, working with Sanders to modulate her performance to perfection. When we first meet Roz, she’s the enthusiastic corporate spokes-bot, eager to engage in any task and not realizing how much she’s freaking out the fauna surrounding her. It’s a role ripe with comic potential and Nyong’o fully embraces it. As Roz learns to better understand the animals and unexpectedly bonds with Brightbill the gosling, the story changes with her, maintaining its comic touch but also developing more authentic heart.
The actor also has a smaller, supporting part as Rummage, a fellow robot that Roz builds from the parts of the other machines that crashed with her, though that’s mostly a channel for exposition.
Brightbill the gosling forms the second pillar of the emotional triangle at the heart of the film, and he’s filled with goofy enthusiasm. Connor brings a freshness and real emotion to the role, able to handle the requirements of the young bird’s arc.
The crafty, yet ultimately good-hearted fox that Roz meets when he tries to steal Brightbill (while still in his egg) is another great role for an actor, one that Pascal brings to life with spirit and a cheekiness that works for the animal.
The possum parent constantly trying to teach her kids the value of a fake death is a comic highlight of the film who also has weary parenting advice for Roz once the robot starts trying to care for Brightbill. O’Hara, an expert at getting laughs, also infuses the part with some healthy heart and kudos also to the various young actors who play her mischievous kids.
There are various other standout voices to be found here –– Mark Hamill plays a grumpy bear who ultimately becomes more than that, Matt Berry’s imperious tones just sound right coming from a beaver who is obsessed with chewing down a giant tree, while Bill Nighy is great in a smaller role as Longneck, the wise older goose who takes Brightbill under his wing when it’s time to migrate. And finally, shout outs to Stephanie Hsu (as Vontra, the cheerily evil retrieval operative droid who arrives to take Roz back to her makers) and Ving Rhames as hawk Thunderbolt, who teaches Brightbill how to fly.
‘The Wild Robot’ may not completely push the boundaries of what an animated movie should be (a lot of the “believe in yourself and become more than you thought you could” messaging will be awfully familiar, particularly to parents or guardians who have brought kids to many of these sorts of films), but it has enough genuine heart and invention to succeed.
And visually, it’s absolutely stunning in places, letting the imagery do the work but never skimping on the storytelling.
‘The Wild Robot’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.
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What’s the plot of ‘The Wild Robot’?
‘The Wild Robot’ follows the journey of a robot –– Rozzum unit 7134, “Roz” (Lupita Nyong’o) for short — that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling.
Bill Hader on ‘Barry.’ Photograph by Merrick Morton/HBO.
Preview:
Bill Hader is leading the voices in a new ‘Cat in the Hat’ movie.
Quinta Brunson and Matt Berry are almost among the cast.
The movie is due in theaters in March 2026.
Dr. Seuss’ ‘The Cat in the Hat’ has something of a checkered history in movies. While the 1957 book has been successfully adapted in animated form for TV, the last time it was seen in theaters was the disastrous 2003 live-action version starring Mike Myers as the title character.
That is probably best forgotten, but Warner Bros. Animation and the Seuss Enterprises company are hoping to change the feline’s filmic reputation via a new animated movie, which has Bill Hader leading the cast as the Cat.
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What’s the story of ‘The Cat in the Hat’?
2003’s ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.
Seuss’ tome sees two kids who are left home alone by their mother who are surprised to have The Cat barge into their house. Far from screaming about Stranger Danger, they agree to his playful schemes, only for the family fish to put up a fight and order him to leave.
But The Cat still has plenty of fun, including unleashing two identical “Things” upon the house and chaos ensues –– but once ordered to leave, he returns with a machine to clean the place up.
Is this the first attempt at a new ‘The Cat in the Hat’ movie?
2003’s ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.
This is not the first time an animated movie based on the Cat’s chaos was considered. In 2012, following the financial success of ‘The Lorax’, Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment announced plans to produce a CGI adaptation. Rob Lieber was set to write the script, but it never came to fruition.
Warner Bros. picked up the rights to produce a ‘Cat’ animated adventure, and Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja are writing and directing the movie. Jeff Sneider at The InSneider first reported the news of Hader’s casting.
Here’s what Bill Damaschke, president of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation said about the new plan:
“We are overjoyed to partner with our friends at Dr. Seuss to take audiences of all ages on an adventure into the beloved world of ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ With this incredible voice cast led by Bill Hader as the fun-loving, agent of chaos himself and our filmmakers Alessandro and Erica at the helm, we look forward to sharing this Seussian cinematic spectacle with audiences everywhere in 2026.”
When will the new ‘The Cat in the Hat’ movie arrive in theaters?
The movie will be released on March 6th, 2026.
Mike Myer’s in 2003’s ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.
(L to R) Aneurin Barnard, Hayley Atwell and Jack Lowden to star in Duncan Jones’ ‘Rogue Tropper.’
Preview:
Aneurin Barnard, Hayley Atwell and Jack Lowden are starring in ‘Rogue Trooper’.
‘Moon’ filmmaker Duncan Jones has written and directed the new movie.
It adapts a character from British comic book title 2000AD.
Duncan Jones is a crafty one. Though it has been officially known that he’s been developing a new movie since at least 2018, he’s stayed mostly quiet about forward movement until some recent, teasing hints on his social media presence.
Yet today the news has broken that Jones has already finished shooting his project, an adaptation of cult British comic book character ‘Rogue Trooper’ and is already at the editing stage for the animated movie.
‘Rogue Trooper’ tells the story of 19, a “Genetic Infantryman”, who finds himself the sole-survivor of an invasion force. Desperate to track down the traitor who sold him and his comrades out, the super soldier is accompanied by three killed-in-action squad mates, whose personalities have been stored in his gun, helmet and rucksack.
The character was created by artist Dave Gibbons –– yes, the one who also collaborated on ‘Watchmen’ –– and writer Gerry Finley-Day. It was first published in British science fiction comic 2000AD (the home to the more famous ‘Judge Dredd’ character) in 1981.
Jones has written and directed the new movie, working with Rebellion and Liberty Films and utilizing Epic’s 3D tool Unreal Engine 5 to craft the animation.
Here’s what Duncan Jones has said about the new movie:
“2000AD offers a very different flavor of comic action: Political and brutal at times, but always with a Pythonesque twinkle in the eye. ‘Dredd’ was a taste of what 2000AD has to offer and now we get to show the world another side of the beast. It is a genuine privilege to be given the opportunity to make ‘Rogue Trooper.’”
Jones has also posted some teaser art for the movie:
Here’s the statement on the movie from Producer Stuart Fenegan:
“The advancements in Unreal Engine 5 and the inclusion of MetaHuman rigs mean that it is now possible to achieve a very high standard of animation within an indie budget. Working with our amazing partners at Rebellion, Epic and Treehouse Digital we are pioneering and developing a new creative pipeline that will enable independent production of CG animated films.”
When will ‘Rogue Trooper’ be in theaters?
There is no official release date yet, but the movie is currently targeting a 2025 launch.
(L to R) Aneurin Barnard, Hayley Atwell and Jack Lowden to star in Duncan Jones’ ‘Rogue Tropper.’
Given all the recent casting, the tone certainly seems to be leaning in a comedic direction.
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What is ‘Minecraft’?
Minecraft game from Mojang Studios.
If you’re not in the game’s target audience, here’s what you need to know… ‘Minecraft’, from Swedish developer Mojang AB, allows you to create and shape an entire world, and by 2014 had sold more than 35 million copies across PCs, the Xbox 360, and mobile platforms. Much like with Lego, the only stories here are those created by users, who can choose whether to explore, create or fight with each other. There are also nocturnal monsters stalking the place, which you must deal with. It reached 100 million users just a few years after launch and helping spark Microsoft to acquire Mojang for $2.5 billion in 2014.
Since then, it hasn’t been quite as much in the pop cultural zeitgeist (the likes of ‘Fortnite’ have tended to dominate), but it’s recognizable intellectual property.
What has happened with the development of the movie adaptation so far?
Jason Momoa as Dante in ‘Fast X’, directed by Louis Leterrier.
Around the time of the Microsoft purchase, Warners entered talks with prolific producer and director Shawn Levy, but his packed scheduled and slow development on the movie meant he never ended up in the director’s chair.
After Levy came ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ co-creator and self-avowed ‘Minecraft’ fan Rob McElhenney was next in line as director when the movie was still being planned as an animated release. He, like Levy, appears to have been the victim of scheduling, and has focused his video game-loving energies on co-creating and starring in Apple TV+’s ‘Mythic Quest’ series.
With ‘Wonder Woman’s Jason Fuchs sticking around for script work, the movie then targeted Steve Carell as a potential star but that also didn’t happen.
The most recent time that ‘Minecraft’ news showed up, it was with ‘Raising Victor Vargas’ Peter Sollett writing and directing.
“I think anybody that does any IP, they just want to avoid an ugly ‘Sonic’ situation [referring to the fan-hated original CG hedgehog from the movies]. just can’t disappoint the 10-year-olds, or they’re going to murder us.”
‘Minecraft’ is currently scheduled for release on April 4th, 2025.
Kate McKinnon attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images).
Jennifer Coolidge in HBO’s ‘The White Lotus.’ Photograph by Fabio Lovino/HBO.
Preview:
Jennifer Coolidge in the latest addition to the ‘Minecraft’ movie.
Jason Momoa is starring in the film.
Jared Hess is directing the movie now in New Zealand.
Having walked on stage at the recent Emmy Awards to collect the trophy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role in ‘The White Lotus’, Jennifer Coolidge has now landed a gig in a big upcoming film.
The comedy veteran will be bringing her particular style to ‘Minecraft’, which has been bulking up its laugh-grabbing side of late, with Jack Black the most recent addition.
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What is ‘Minecraft’?
Minecraft game from Mojang Studios.
If you’re not in the game’s target audience, allow us to brief you on the basics… The game, from Swedish developer Mojang AB, allows you to create and shape an entire world, and by 2014 had sold more than 35 million copies across PCs, the Xbox 360, and mobile platforms. Much like with Lego, the only stories here are those created by users, who can choose whether to explore, create or fight with each other. There are also nocturnal monsters stalking the place, which you must deal with. It reached 100 million users just a few years after launch and helping spark Microsoft to acquire Mojang for $2.5 billion in 2014.
Since then, it hasn’t been quite as much in the pop cultural zeitgeist (the likes of ‘Fortnite’ have tended to dominate), but it’s recognizable intellectual property.
What has happened with the development of the movie adaptation so far?
Shawn Levy attends ‘The Adam Project’ World Premiere at Alice Tully Hall on February 28, 2022 in New York City. Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Netflix.
Around the time of the Microsoft purchase, Warners entered talks with prolific producer and director Shawn Levy, but his packed scheduled and slow development on the movie meant he never ended up in the director’s chair.
After Levy came ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ co-creator and self-avowed ‘Minecraft’ fan Rob McElhenney was next in line as director when the movie was still being planned as an animated release. He, like Levy, appears to have been the victim of scheduling, and has focused his video game-loving energies on co-creating and starring in Apple TV+’s ‘Mythic Quest’ series.
With ‘Wonder Woman’s Jason Fuchs sticking around for script work, the movie then targeted Steve Carell as a potential star but… well… that didn’t pan out
The most recent time that ‘Minecraft’ news showed up, it was with ‘Raising Victor Vargas’ Peter Sollett writing and directing. But with Jared Hess in charge, it has finally gotten in gear, with filming under way in New Zealand.
Who else is in ‘Minecraft’?
Jason Momoa as Dante in ‘Fast X’, directed by Louis Leterrier.
Jack Black is the newest actor joining the ‘Minecraft’ movie.
Jason Momoa is starring in the film.
Jared Hess will direct the film, with shooting starting shortly.
He was part of the voice cast for one of last year’s biggest hits, ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’, playing the villainous –– and musical –– Bowser. It looks like Jack Black is ready to stay with the videogame adaptation genre, as Deadline reports that he’s joining Jason Momoa in the ‘Minecraft’ movie.
While Deadline could dig up no details on the story, we do know that Jared Hess is in the director’s chair and shooting is scheduled to start this month in New Zealand.
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What is ‘Minecraft’?
Minecraft game from Mojang Studios.
If you’re not in the game’s target audience, allow us to brief you on the basics… The game, from Swedish developer Mojang AB, allows you to create and shape an entire world, and by 2014 had sold more than 35 million copies across PCs, the Xbox 360, and mobile platforms. Much like with Lego, the only stories here are those created by users, who can choose whether to explore, create or fight with each other. There are also nocturnal monsters stalking the place, which you must deal with. It reached 100 million users just a few years after launch and helping spark Microsoft to acquire Mojang for $2.5 billion in 2014.
Since then, it hasn’t been quite as much in the pop cultural zeitgeist (the likes of ‘Fortnite’ have tended to dominate), but it’s recognizable intellectual property.
What has happened with the development of the movie adaptation so far?
Jason Momoa in ‘Superpowered: The DC Story.’ Photograph by Courtesy of Max/Warner Bros.
Around the time of the Microsoft purchase, Warners entered talks with prolific producer and director Shawn Levy, but his packed scheduled and slow development on the movie meant he never ended up in the director’s chair.
After Levy came ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ co-creator and self-avowed ‘Minecraft’ fan Rob McElhenney was next in line as director when the movie was still being planned as an animated release. He, like Levy, appears to have been the victim of scheduling, and has focused his video game-loving energies on co-creating and starring in Apple TV+’s ‘Mythic Quest’ series.
With ‘Wonder Woman’s Jason Fuchs sticking around for script work, the movie then targeted Steve Carell as a potential star but… well… you can guess what happened.
The most recent time that ‘Minecraft’ news showed up, it was with ‘Raising Victor Vargas’ Peter Sollett writing and directing. But with Jared Hess in charge, it appears to be finally getting in gear.
Which is a good thing, since ‘Minecraft’ is currently scheduled for release on April 4th, 2025.
‘Mario’ and ‘Minecraft’ are not the only game adaptation that Black is part of –– he’ll be heard this year as robotic goofball Claptrap in the movie based on the ‘Borderlands’ game. That one will be in cinemas on August 9th.
Matt Berry in Hulu’s ‘Great Expectations.’ Photo: Miya Mizuno/FX.
Way back in April last year, it was reported that Jason Momoa –– currently making a big impact as the crazed villain Dante in ‘Fast X’ –– was in talks to star in Warner Bros.’ movie adaptation of the ‘Minecraft’ game.
Much of the movie itself is a mystery for now, though Allison Schroeder and Peter Sollett are currently credited with the screenplay.
Unless you have kids or know kids, you might have let the details of what ‘Minecraft’ exactly is slip from your mind. So, allow us to help…
Minecraft game from Mojang Studios.
What exactly is ‘Minecraft’?
The game, from Swedish developer Mojang AB, allows you to create and shape an entire world, and by 2014 had sold more than 35 million copies across PCs, the Xbox 360, and mobile platforms. Much like with Lego, the only stories are those created by users, who can choose whether to explore, create or fight with each other. There are also nocturnal monsters stalking the place, which you must deal with. It reached 100 million users just a few years after launch and helping spark Microsoft to acquire Mojang for $2.5 billion in 2014.
Since then, it hasn’t been quite as much in the pop cultural zeitgeist (the likes of ‘Fortnite’ have tended to dominate), but it’s recognizable intellectual property, and, linked to a known name like Momoa, it’s the sort of the concept studios will grab for when times are good.
Jason Momoa as Dante in ‘Fast X’, directed by Louis Leterrier.
Around the time of the Microsoft purchase, Warners entered talks with prolific producer and director Shawn Levy, but his packed scheduled and slow development on the movie meant he never ended up in the director’s chair.
After Levy came ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ co-creator and self-avowed ‘Minecraft’ fan Rob McElhenney was next in line as director when the movie was still being planned as an animated release. He, like Levy, became the victim of scheduling, and has focused his video game-loving energies on co-creating and starring in Apple TV+’s ‘Mythic Quest’ series.
At the same time that Momoa jumped aboard, ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ director Jared Hess was hired to make the movie.
As for Berry, he’s best known to American audiences for his role as drunken, sex-obsessed vampire Laszlo Cravensworth in FX comedy series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. He’s also recently cropped up on the new Dickens adaptation ‘Great Expectations’ and has lent his recognizable, booming voice to a new animated movie, ‘The Inventor’, which has been released in France but is still awaiting a US date.
‘Minecraft’ should be digging its way to theaters on April 4th, 2025.
Matt Berry in Hulu’s ‘Great Expectations.’ Photo: Miya Mizuno/FX.
Some good news: FX has renewed the vampire comedy “What We Do in the Shadows” for a second season.
So far this year, the series — which is based on the 2015 film of the same name — ranks in the Top 5 among 34 cable comedy series. Its first five episodes have averaged an audience of 2.81 million viewers across all platforms.
“[Executive producers] Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi and Paul Simms have more than delivered on the high expectations of ‘Shadows’ fans by adapting the cult classic [movie] for television and building a passionate base of new and returning fans,” FX Original Programming president Nick Grad said in a statement.
In this week’s episode, Nandor (Kayvan Novak), Laszlo (Matt Berry) and Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) appear before an international vampire tribunal to answer for the death of Baron Afanas (Doug Jones). The show promises “an extraordinary lineup of guest vampires” for the occasion.
Does that mean we might see Clement’s Vladislav or Waititi ‘s character Viago?
