In a surprising turn for the video game movie genre, Minecraft Movie has crafted an explosive debut, setting a new record for the biggest domestic opening of all time for a video game adaptation. The film, featuring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, launched with a staggering $157 million in North America alone, eclipsing the previous record held by The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which opened to $146 million in April 2023.
Globally, Minecraft Movie built on that momentum, stacking up an impressive $301 million during its first weekend. International markets contributed a healthy $144 million, giving Warner Bros. a major win. With an estimated production budget of $150 million—excluding marketing spend—the film appears well on its way to profitability, and much sooner than expected.
Based on Mojang’s iconic sandbox game, Minecraft Movie taps into the enduring popularity of one of the best-selling video games in history. Microsoft, which owns the Minecraft franchise, strategically released film-themed downloadable content within the game to coincide with the movie’s premiere, expanding its reach even further.
Meanwhile, Disney’s live-action Snow White remake struggles to find its footing. After its opening weekend, it has pulled in just $168.4 million worldwide against a steep $250 million production budget, raising concerns about its long-term prospects. Unlike Minecraft Movie’s strong start, Snow White faces a steep climb to recoup its costs.
For Warner Bros., Minecraft Movie is not just a box office victory—it also signals a broader success in adapting beloved gaming franchises for the big screen, following a blueprint that studios may soon rush to replicate.
Sources:
Variety, IGN
gfpods.com 
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