Jared Hess

A quirky, offbeat filmmaker teams up with his wife to craft a wildly original story that blends absurd humor and heart, launching a cult phenomenon that redefines underdog storytelling.

Born

July 18, 1979

Also:
Producer
Writer

Credits on file

Decades active

Awards

Upcoming

In short · Directing since 2003, 3 decades active, 16 credits.

Known for

Ranked by community engagement + sustained interest across this person's credits in our database.

Now & next

2027
Upcoming
A Minecraft Sequel
TBA
Upcoming
A Minecraft Movie 2
May 30
In the news
Minecraft Movie 2 Announces Title and New Cast Members
“The sequel to the Minecraft movie, titled Minecraft Movie Squared, was revealed at TwitchCon 2026. The film will be released on July 23, 2027, and will feature new locations and characters. Kirsten Dunst will play Alex, while Matt Berry returns as a new, undisclosed character. The first movie, despite mixed critical reception, was a box office success, grossing over $1 billion. Fans can participate in a Minecraft Build Challenge for a chance to have their creations featured in the film. The upcoming Netflix Minecraft series remains unannounced.”

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Biography

Jared Lawrence Hess is an American filmmaker who co-wrote and directed several cult-favorite films, including *Napoleon Dynamite* (2004), *Nacho Libre* (2006), and *Gentlemen Broncos* (2009). These films were co-written with his wife, Jerusha Elizabeth Hess, and are known for their quirky humor and distinctive style. Hess has also worked in animation, with *Ninety-Five Senses* earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film. He is set to direct *A Minecraft Movie*, scheduled for release in 2025.

Filmography · 13 of 13

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