It is not every day that Kirsten Dunst talks openly about wanting to do a movie just for the money. But her comments about joining “A Minecraft Movie 2” are unusually blunt. She is serious about it, too, telling interviewers she would like to make a “pile of cash” and finally stop losing money on film projects.
The “Bring It On” actress, 43, is eyeing “A Minecraft Movie” sequel because it could finally help her stop losing money. In her own words, she asked, “Maybe I can just make a movie where I don’t lose money?” That line alone made headlines, and she wasn’t joking.
Dunst supports her two kids and her mother. She has done plenty of prestige films that don’t pay much, and she has earned the right to take a blockbuster gig if it gives her some financial breathing room.
Dunst / IG / Kirsten Dunst’s sons, Ennis and James, were big fans of “A Minecraft Movie.” The first film starred Jack Black and Jason Momoa, and for two kids under 10, that is a dream cast. Watching their reactions made her think about joining the sequel.
Dunst has played this game before. She has moved from arthouse films like “The Power of the Dog” to popcorn hits like “Spider-Man.” Taking on “Minecraft 2” would fit her pattern of zigzagging between passion projects and big studio jobs.
Despite being known for indie films, Dunst isn’t afraid of franchises. She was Mary Jane in the original “Spider-Man” trilogy and handled the spotlight just fine. If “Minecraft 2” turns into a multi-film series, she has already proven she can keep up.
The end credits of the first “Minecraft” movie teased a new character from the game: Alex. That character didn’t get much screen time, and while Kate McKinnon voiced her briefly, the door is wide open for a new take.
“A Minecraft Movie” made nearly $1 billion globally. That is more than most superhero films manage these days. The sequel is almost a sure thing at this point, and it is likely to draw even more attention.
Her last few films didn’t make blockbuster money!
Dunst / IG / Dunst could easily slide into that role. She has the voice, the screen presence, and the action experience from movies like “Jumanji” and “Spider-Man.”
“Civil War,” one of Dunst’s most recent projects, pulled in $127 million. That is a solid number for an arthouse film, but nowhere near the earnings of “Minecraft.” She has been working steadily, but the paychecks don’t always match the effort.
Jared Hess, who directed the first film, already hinted that a sequel is in the works. He said there is plenty more to explore in the game’s world and confirmed Steve and Alex would likely be the focus.
If that is true, the casting door is wide open. Dunst’s timing is good. She is making it known she is interested, and the story seems to be heading toward a bigger female lead.
However, Dunst has got a mermaid thriller called “Reptilia” coming up, plus projects with directors like Sofia Coppola and Ruben Östlund. She is also starring in “Roofman,” a crime comedy with Derek Cianfrance.
Even with a full plate, she seems ready to slot “Minecraft 2” into her plans. It wouldn’t be a long-term delay, just a smart move between projects.