Kirsten Dunst is set to construction her way into one of the world’s biggest franchises.
Following Minecraft: The Movie breaking predictions with a close-to-$1 billion worldwide box office gross, Oscar-nominated starlet Kirsten Dunst has announced she wishes to become involved in the sequel.
In an interview with Town & Country recently, Dunst confessed she’s ready to get on board with a project that has financial stability and creative enjoyment involved. “Perhaps I can simply do a film in which I don’t lose money?” she joked. The actress further added that her children enjoyed playing the first Minecraft movie, so joining the franchise would not be bad after all.
The Success Of The First Minecraft Movie
Directed by Jared Hess, Minecraft: The Movie went on to become a cultural and commercial phenomenon when it hit theaters in April 2024. By grossing $995 million globally in its theatrical run, it is the third-largest opening in Warner Bros. history. Based on the iconic video game that millions of fans cherish, the movie picked up steam with gamers immediately for its colorful visuals, comedy, and retro references to the blocky world.”.
Hess has already hinted that a sequel is not just on the cards but extremely likely considering the audience reaction. “We had so much fun filming this movie, and it’s such a vast world in the game,” the director said to Deadline. “There were so many things that we didn’t even touch on that we wanted to. It looks like there already is already discussion about it happening, so I’m really stoked.”
What The Sequel Might Cover
The initial film concluded with a mid-credit scene that set up another big character from the game: Alex. Although Kate McKinnon was the voice of Alex in the scene, the face of the character wasn’t shown, leaving much room for guessing on casting for the sequel. With Steve, voiced by Jack Black, returning, fans are excited to know who will play Alex in an expanded role.
This open casting opportunity is exactly where Kirsten Dunst could fit in. With her history of fan-favorite roles, most famously Mary Jane Watson in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, Dunst already has a proven connection with blockbuster audiences. Some fans are even suggesting she could return to her signature red hair if she were to embody Alex on screen.
Dunst’s Recent Career Highlights
While Dunst has primarily worked on prestige releases the past few years, she has nonetheless consistently demonstrated box office appeal. Her new movie, Alex Garland’s Civil War (2024), passed $127 million globally, making it A24’s highest-grossing opening with $25.7 million. Her filmography also features one of the highest-grossing superhero movies of all time, Spider-Man 3 (2007), which grossed $892 million worldwide.
If Dunst does join the world of Minecraft, it might just be the ultimate combination of casting fan favorite and fiscal success. Since Warner Bros. is already setting it up for another phenomenal hit, the sequel can have the potential to take the franchise to an even greater global phenomenon.
Until then, fans will just have to wait and see for casting announcements. But one thing is for sure, if Kirsten Dunst will be part of Minecraft: The Movie 2, it won’t only be a success for the actress, it will be a decision that will delight both veterans in the gaming industry and film enthusiasts globally.
