The first A Minecraft Movie was a massive box office phenomenon, pulling in nearly $1 billion during its theatrical run despite mixed critical reception. Following that unprecedented success, production for the sequel has officially commenced in New Zealand, and fans are already getting a glimpse of the creative talent involved.

A Masterpiece from a Minecraft Legend

Adding to the hype is a stunning new piece of art shared by Jack Black. The actor, reprising his role as Steve, posted an oil-on-panel painting to Instagram that perfectly captures the essence of the franchise. The artwork depicts Black as Steve, seated in a plush leather chair and clutching a blocky flame, accompanied by the cryptic caption, "and so it begins."

The creative force behind this piece is none other than Kristoffer Zetterstrand, a Swedish artist famous for creating 40 of the iconic in-game paintings found within Minecraft. The painting even features a skull on the floor—a direct nod to the game's existing art style. In his own social media posts, Zetterstrand shared detailed shots of the work and glimpses of his studio, which featured several other Minecraft-style paintings that could potentially serve as teasers for the upcoming film.

What to Expect from A Minecraft Movie 2

As filming continues in Auckland, the cast list for the sequel is shaping up to be a star-studded affair. While the production remains under wraps, several key players are confirmed:

  • Jack Black returning as Steve.
  • Jason Momoa reprising his role.
  • Director Jared Hess returning to the helm.
  • Kirsten Dunst joining the cast as Alex.

There are even rumors of Jennifer Coolidge being spotted on set, adding further star power to the production.

The first film achieved legendary status through viral moments, such as the "chicken jockey" scene that became a cultural sensation—even prompting Mojang to add the mechanic to the actual game. There was also the record-breaking success of "Steve's Lava Chicken," which became the shortest song ever to hit the Billboard Hot 100.

While it remains to be seen if the sequel can replicate that exact level of internet chaos, the involvement of legendary artists like Zetterstrand suggests that A Minecraft Movie 2 will be visually spectacular. Mark your calendars: the sequel is currently slated for release on July 23, 2027.