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{{Draft article|Agent Derp (MIU film)|subject=media|noafc=yes}}
{{Draft article|Agent Derp (MIU film)|subject=media|noafc=yes}}
{{Promising draft}}
{{Short description|Upcoming American animated spy comedy film}}
{{Short description|Upcoming American animated spy comedy film}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2026}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2027}}
{{Use list-defined references|date=November 2026}}
{{Use list-defined references|date=July 2027}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2026}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2027}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| director            = Jackson Gold
| director            = Jackson Gold
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}}
}}
| based_on            = {{Based on|''[[Minecraft]]''|[[Mojang Studios]]}}
| based_on            = {{Based on|''[[Minecraft]]''|[[Mojang Studios]]}}
| starring            = [[Scott Menville]]
| production_companies = {{Plainlist|
| production_companies = {{Plainlist|
* [[Mob Studios]]
* [[Mob Studios]]
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}}
}}


'''''Agent Derp''''' is an upcoming American [[computer-animated film|computer-animated]] [[Spy film|spy]] [[comedy film|comedy]] adventure film based on the ''[[Minecraft]]'' video game developed by [[Mojang Studios]]. Produced by [[Mob Studios]], [[Mob Productions]], and Mojang Studios, it is intended to be the fourth film in the [[Minecraft Universe]] (MIU) and the fourth theatrical installment of "Chapter One: The Broken Seed". The film is directed by Jackson Gold from a screenplay by [[Freddie Goodwin]] and a story developed by Gold, Goodwin, and [[Alex Brow]].
'''''Agent Derp''''' is an upcoming American [[computer-animated film|computer-animated]] [[Spy film|spy]] [[comedy film|comedy]] adventure film based on the ''[[Minecraft]]'' video game developed by [[Mojang Studios]]. Produced by [[Mob Studios]], [[Mob Productions]], and Mojang Studios, it is intended to be the fourth film in the [[Minecraft Universe]] (MIU) and the fourth theatrical installment of "[[Chapter One: The Broken Seed]]". The film is directed by Jackson Gold from a screenplay by [[Freddie Goodwin]] and a story developed by Gold, Goodwin, and [[Alex Brow]]. [[Scott Menville]] stars as Derp, reprising the role he previously portrayed in the [[Minecraft Cinematic Universe]] (MCCU) while playing a completely reimagined version of the character.


The film follows Derp, an accident-prone resident of the Overworld who intercepts a message intended for an underground intelligence organization and is consequently mistaken for one of its trained operatives. It shares its title with ''[[Agent Derp]]'' (2021), an installment of the previous [[Minecraft Cinematic Universe]] (MCCU), but presents a new version of the character without retaining the earlier film's continuity, relationships, or character history.
The film follows an ordinary and accident-prone resident of the Overworld who intercepts a message intended for an underground intelligence organization and is mistakenly identified as one of its highly trained operatives. Although initially unprepared for the assignment placed before him, Derp gradually proves more capable than the organization and its enemies expect.


Reports that Mob Studios was considering a new ''Agent Derp'' film emerged in August 2026. The project entered active development on October 27, when Gold was announced as director and Goodwin as screenwriter. It was initially described as a standalone MIU project outside "The Broken Seed", but Mob Studios subsequently added it to the chapter in November 2026 and scheduled it for release on May 16, 2031. Casting for Derp is underway, though no actor has been announced. [[Scott Menville]], who voiced the character in the MCCU, is not expected to return.
Reports that Mob Studios was exploring a new ''Agent Derp'' film emerged in August 2026. The project entered active development that October, when Gold was announced as director and Goodwin as screenwriter. It was initially described as a standalone MIU project outside "The Broken Seed", but was formally added to the chapter in November 2026 and scheduled for release on May 16, 2031.
 
Mob Studios originally intended to recast Derp as part of the rebooted continuity. Menville subsequently contacted the studio and submitted a new audition after explaining his personal attachment to the character. His return was announced in December 2026. Goodwin completed the first screenplay draft by July 2027, when Menville participated in his first formal character workshop with Gold and the film's first title treatment was publicly revealed.
 
''Agent Derp'' is scheduled to be released in the United States on May 16, 2031.


== Premise ==
== Premise ==


An ordinary and accident-prone resident of the Overworld intercepts a message intended for a secret intelligence organization. After being mistaken for a highly trained operative, he is drawn into an assignment for which he has neither the experience nor the reputation required.
An ordinary and accident-prone resident of the Overworld intercepts a coded message intended for a secret intelligence organization. After being mistaken for a highly trained operative whose identity has been concealed, Derp is drawn into an assignment for which he has no formal experience.
 
As the organization continues to overestimate his abilities, Derp attempts to maintain the identity assigned to him while uncovering the purpose of the intercepted message. His unconventional decisions and apparent mistakes gradually reveal that he is more resourceful and capable than either his allies or enemies initially believe.
 
== Voice cast ==
 
* [[Scott Menville]] as '''Derp''', an ordinary Overworld resident who is mistaken for a trained intelligence operative after intercepting a secret message. Menville previously voiced a different incarnation of Derp in the Minecraft Cinematic Universe. The MIU version does not retain the earlier character's history, relationships, or connection to Steve Stonecutter.<ref name="MenvilleReturns" />
 
No additional cast members have been announced.


== Production ==
== Production ==
=== Background ===
The title ''Agent Derp'' was previously used for a 2021 animated film forming part of the Minecraft Cinematic Universe. The earlier film starred [[Scott Menville]] as Derp and depicted the character as an associate of Steve Stonecutter. That continuity continued through ''[[World of X – Part One]]'' (2025), while its planned sequel, ''World of X – Part Two'', was abandoned before entering full production.
The Minecraft Universe was subsequently developed as a complete reboot that did not retain the MCCU's continuity, character histories, visual designs, or mythology. Mob Studios initially intended for all principal roles to be recast, though it did not prohibit performers from the earlier continuity from being considered for new interpretations.
Reports that the studio was exploring a new film titled ''Agent Derp'' emerged in August 2026, shortly after the first Minecraft Universe slate was announced. At the time, the project had no director, writer, cast, release date, or confirmed position within the franchise.<ref name="EarlyDevelopment" />


=== Development ===
=== Development ===


Reports that Mob Studios was exploring a new interpretation of ''Agent Derp'' emerged in August 2026, shortly after the studio announced the initial slate of films and television series in the Minecraft Universe. At the time, the project was described as exploratory and had no director, writer, cast, production schedule, release date, or confirmed position within the franchise.<ref name="AgentDerpDevelopment" />
On October 27, 2026, Mob Studios confirmed that ''Agent Derp'' had entered active development. Jackson Gold was announced as director and producer, with [[Freddie Goodwin]] writing the screenplay from a story developed with Gold and [[Alex Brow]]. Brow, Lena Cross, and Gold serve as producers.<ref name="ActiveDevelopment" />


The title had previously been used for the 2021 animated film ''Agent Derp'', which starred [[Scott Menville]] and formed part of the Minecraft Cinematic Universe. That continuity concluded with ''[[World of X – Part One]]'' (2025) after its planned sequel, ''World of X – Part Two'', was abandoned before entering full production. The MIU was subsequently developed as a complete reboot that did not retain the MCCU's continuity, performers, visual designs, or mythology.
The studio described the film as an animated spy comedy and adventure. The story follows a seemingly ordinary and accident-prone resident of the Overworld who intercepts a message intended for an underground intelligence organization and is subsequently mistaken for one of its operatives.


Mob Studios officially confirmed on October 27, 2026, that ''Agent Derp'' had entered active development. Jackson Gold was announced as director and producer, with [[Freddie Goodwin]] writing the screenplay from a story developed with Gold and [[Alex Brow]]. Brow, Lena Cross, and Gold serve as producers.<ref name="ActiveDevelopment" />
Gold said the film would use Derp's mistakes and misunderstandings as sources of comedy without portraying him as entirely incompetent. Although some of his early successes appear accidental, the story is intended to reveal that Derp possesses unusual instincts, adaptability, and observational skills that do not resemble the organization's conventional training.<ref name="SpyComedy" />


The studio described the project as an animated spy comedy and adventure. Gold said the film would use Derp's mistakes and misunderstandings as the basis of its humor without depicting him as incapable. Although other characters initially assume that his successes are accidental, the filmmakers intend for Derp to become increasingly effective through unconventional decision-making rather than traditional training.<ref name="SpyComedy" />
The film was initially announced as a largely standalone MIU story outside "Chapter One: The Broken Seed". Brow said its narrative could occur alongside the chapter without directly contributing to the conflict involving the Seed and the Hollow King.<ref name="InitiallyStandalone" />


The film was initially announced as a largely standalone MIU story outside "Chapter One: The Broken Seed". Brow said its story could occur alongside the chapter without directly contributing to the deterioration of the Seed or the conflict involving the Hollow King.<ref name="OutsideChapterOne" />
Mob Studios reversed that position in November 2026 and formally added ''Agent Derp'' to "The Broken Seed". The film was scheduled for May 16, 2031, placing it between ''[[The Ender Crown]]'' (2030) and ''[[Minecraft: The Broken Seed]]'' (2031). The studio said its inclusion would allow the film to depict the condition of the Overworld during the chapter without requiring its central spy story to become a direct continuation of the other installments.<ref name="ChapterAddition" />


In November 2026, Mob Studios announced that ''Agent Derp'' had been formally incorporated into "The Broken Seed" and would be released between ''[[The Ender Crown]]'' (2030) and ''[[Minecraft: The Broken Seed]]'' (2031). The studio said the decision did not require the film to become a direct continuation of the other installments, describing it instead as a smaller story showing how the chapter's events affect inhabitants outside the principal group of characters.<ref name="ChapterOneAddition" />
Brow said the film's placement did not confirm that Derp would appear in ''Minecraft: The Broken Seed''. Gold similarly described the project as a complete central narrative rather than an extended introduction for another film.


Brow said Derp's inclusion in the chapter did not confirm that he would appear in ''Minecraft: The Broken Seed''. The film remains intended to have a complete central narrative and is not being developed solely to introduce the character for the chapter's concluding film.
Goodwin completed the first full screenplay draft by July 2027. Gold said the draft retained the mistaken-identity premise while depicting Derp as increasingly capable as the story progressed. The film remained in active development, with additional rewrites expected before production.<ref name="JulyUpdate" />


As of November 2026, the project remained in active development. Goodwin is expected to complete the screenplay during 2027, while principal animation is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2029.<ref name="NovemberUpdate" />
Principal animation is tentatively expected to begin in 2029. Mob Studios has not announced the film's animation supervisor, composer, supporting cast, or production partners.


=== Writing ===
=== Writing ===


Goodwin is writing the screenplay while continuing his involvement in other Minecraft Universe projects, including ''[[Minecraft: The First Night]]'' and ''Minecraft: The Broken Seed''. He developed the initial story with Gold and Brow.
Goodwin developed the story with Gold and Brow while continuing his work on other Minecraft Universe projects, including ''[[Minecraft: The First Night]]'' and ''Minecraft: The Broken Seed''. The filmmakers selected the spy genre to distinguish ''Agent Derp'' from the survival, dimensional fantasy, and disaster stories comprising the rest of "The Broken Seed".


The filmmakers selected the spy genre to distinguish ''Agent Derp'' from the survival adventure and dimensional fantasy stories comprising most of "The Broken Seed". The film is expected to focus on hidden organizations, coded messages, infiltration, improvised equipment, and Derp's repeated attempts to maintain an identity that was assigned to him by mistake.<ref name="SpyComedy" />
The screenplay centers on a secret intelligence organization operating through concealed routes and bases across the Overworld. Derp becomes involved after receiving a message intended for an operative whose identity is unknown to most members of the organization. His possession of the message and ability to survive the circumstances surrounding it lead the organization to incorrectly assume that he is the intended recipient.


The story follows Derp after he intercepts a communication intended for an underground intelligence organization operating across the Overworld. The organization mistakes him for an operative whose identity has been concealed, while Derp initially fails to understand the significance of the message or why its members are contacting him.
Gold said the story would draw comedy from Derp attempting to satisfy expectations that he does not fully understand. Rather than succeeding only through luck, he gradually develops his own methods of infiltration, investigation, disguise, and improvisation. These methods frequently appear disorganized but allow him to notice possibilities overlooked by formally trained characters.<ref name="SpyComedy" />


Mob Studios has not revealed the organization's name, its leadership, the nature of Derp's assignment, or the identity of the film's antagonist. The studio has also not announced whether the organization has appeared indirectly in another MIU project.
The new Derp does not share the MCCU character's relationship with Steve Stonecutter or participate in the events of the 2021 film. The filmmakers retained the character's optimism, physical comedy, and tendency to misunderstand situations while giving him a more independent identity within the rebooted continuity.


The new interpretation of Derp does not share the MCCU character's connection to Steve Stonecutter or the events of the 2021 film. Gold said the character would retain an optimistic and comedic personality while being written with greater independence from the franchise's versions of Steve and Alex.
The film's addition to "The Broken Seed" resulted in minor revisions concerning the state of the Overworld. Cross said the connections would emerge through environmental and political consequences from earlier projects rather than direct appearances by the chapter's principal characters.<ref name="ChapterAddition" />


The film's addition to Chapter One prompted minor revisions to connect its setting with the wider continuity. Cross said these connections would concern the state of the Overworld and the effects of earlier events rather than requiring Derp to become involved in the central Seed conflict.<ref name="ChapterOneAddition" />
Mob Studios has not revealed the intelligence organization's name, Derp's assignment, the identity of the antagonist, the film's primary setting, or its specific relationship to the Seed's instability.


No additional plot details had been announced as of November 2026.
=== Casting ===


=== Casting ===
Mob Studios began searching for a new performer to voice Derp before the film entered active development. The studio initially did not expect [[Scott Menville]] to return because the MIU had been established as a complete continuity reboot.<ref name="InitialRecasting" />
 
After learning that the role would be recast, Menville contacted Gold, Brow, and the film's casting team. He submitted a new voice test and a written proposal describing how his performance could be separated from the earlier interpretation. Menville said he had a strong personal attachment to Derp and wanted to create a substantially different version rather than reproduce his MCCU performance.
 
The audition used a more restrained vocal delivery while retaining elements of Derp's comedic timing. Gold said Menville demonstrated that an actor could return without restoring the previous character's continuity or history. Mob Studios offered him the role in late November 2026 and publicly announced his casting on December 14.<ref name="MenvilleReturns" />


Casting for Derp began before the project entered active development. Mob Studios sought a performer capable of balancing physical comedy, improvised dialogue, and more sincere dramatic material. The role is expected to involve voice acting and physical performance reference rather than full performance capture.
Brow said Menville's return was based on his enthusiasm for the character and the strength of his new interpretation rather than nostalgia for the MCCU. His casting made him the first principal performer from the previous continuity confirmed to portray a character in the MIU.


[[Scott Menville]], who voiced Derp in the previous Minecraft Cinematic Universe, is not expected to reprise the role. Mob Studios intends to cast a new performer as part of its complete reinterpretation of the character.<ref name="DerpRecasting" />
Menville participated in his first formal character workshop with Gold and Goodwin in July 2027. The sessions focused on distinguishing the new Derp's voice, physical rhythm, emotional range, and comedic delivery from the earlier incarnation. Gold said the new performance would be less exaggerated while allowing Derp's confidence and capability to develop over the course of the film.<ref name="CharacterWorkshop" />


The studio had not announced which actors were being considered as of November 2026. No supporting cast members have been revealed.
Preliminary recording is expected to begin before principal animation. No supporting performers have been announced.


=== Animation and design ===
=== Animation and design ===


''Agent Derp'' will use the stylized computer-animation approach developed for the Minecraft Universe. The film will retain the block-based geometry and grid construction established by ''Minecraft: The First Night'', though Gold is expected to develop a distinct visual style suited to its spy-comedy genre.
''Agent Derp'' will use the stylized computer-animation approach developed for the Minecraft Universe. The film will retain the block-based geometry and construction rules established by ''Minecraft: The First Night'' while developing a distinct visual identity based on spy cinema and covert organizations.
 
Early visual development has reportedly focused on concealed entrances, underground transportation systems, improvised gadgets, hidden bases, disguises, coded maps, and equipment constructed from recognizable Overworld materials. Mob Studios has not publicly released concept artwork from the film.
 
Derp's design will differ from his appearance in the Minecraft Cinematic Universe. Gold said the character should initially appear to be an ordinary Overworld resident who has assembled the appearance of an operative from equipment that was not intended for him. His clothing and tools are expected to become more functional as the story progresses.
 
The film's title treatment was revealed during Mob Studios' Minecraft Universe anniversary presentation on July 31, 2027. No character artwork or animated footage accompanied the title.<ref name="TitleTreatment" />


Early development artwork reportedly focused on concealed bases, disguised entrances, underground transportation routes, and tools constructed from recognizable Overworld materials. Mob Studios has not released any of the concept art publicly.
== Marketing ==


Derp's character design is expected to differ substantially from the version featured in the MCCU. Gold said the new design should communicate that Derp is an ordinary resident who gradually assembles the appearance of an operative from equipment that was not originally intended for him.
Mob Studios publicly confirmed ''Agent Derp'' on October 27, 2026, when it announced that the film had entered active development. The announcement revealed its director, screenwriter, producers, genre, and central premise, but did not include a logo, concept artwork, or cast information.<ref name="ActiveDevelopment" />


The film's animation supervisor and production partners have not been announced. Principal animation is tentatively expected to begin in 2029, though Mob Studios said the schedule could change depending on the completion of the screenplay and production of the preceding MIU projects.<ref name="NovemberUpdate" />
Menville's casting was announced on December 14, 2026. The studio emphasized that his return did not connect the MIU to the previous continuity and described his character as a complete reinterpretation.<ref name="MenvilleReturns" />
 
The first title treatment was unveiled during Mob Studios' Minecraft Universe anniversary presentation on July 31, 2027. The design was shown without character artwork, footage, or additional cast announcements. Mob Studios did not classify the presentation as the beginning of the film's full marketing campaign.<ref name="TitleTreatment" />


== Release ==
== Release ==


''Agent Derp'' is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on May 16, 2031.<ref name="AgentDerpDate" /> It is positioned between ''The Ender Crown'', scheduled for July 18, 2030, and ''Minecraft: The Broken Seed'', scheduled for December 12, 2031.
''Agent Derp'' is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on May 16, 2031.<ref name="ReleaseDate" /> It is positioned between ''The Ender Crown'', scheduled for July 18, 2030, and ''Minecraft: The Broken Seed'', scheduled for December 12, 2031.


The film was initially developed without a release year. Mob Studios announced its release date in November 2026 as part of an update covering production of the MIU films and television series.
The film was initially developed without a release year. Its release date was announced in November 2026 when Mob Studios formally added it to "Chapter One: The Broken Seed".


== Future ==
== Future ==


''Agent Derp'' is part of "Chapter One: The Broken Seed", though Mob Studios has described it as a largely standalone installment within the chapter. The studio has not confirmed whether Derp or the intelligence organization introduced in the film will appear in later MIU projects.
''Agent Derp'' forms part of "Chapter One: The Broken Seed", though Mob Studios has described it as a largely standalone installment within the chapter. The studio has not confirmed whether Derp or the intelligence organization introduced in the film will appear in later Minecraft Universe projects.


Brow said the film's position before ''Minecraft: The Broken Seed'' should not be interpreted as confirmation that Derp will join the principal characters in the chapter's conclusion.<ref name="ChapterOneAddition" />
Brow said the film's position before ''Minecraft: The Broken Seed'' should not be interpreted as confirmation that Derp will join the principal characters in the chapter's conclusion.<ref name="ChapterAddition" />


== References ==
== References ==
Line 110: Line 144:
<ref name="ActiveDevelopment">{{Cite press release |title=''Agent Derp'' Enters Active Development at Mob Studios |publisher=Mob Studios |date=October 27, 2026}}</ref>
<ref name="ActiveDevelopment">{{Cite press release |title=''Agent Derp'' Enters Active Development at Mob Studios |publisher=Mob Studios |date=October 27, 2026}}</ref>


<ref name="AgentDerpDate">{{Cite press release |title=Mob Studios Dates ''Agent Derp'' for May 2031 |publisher=Mob Studios |date=November 19, 2026}}</ref>
<ref name="CharacterWorkshop">{{Cite news |last=Grant |first=Elise |date=July 31, 2027 |title=Scott Menville Begins Work on His Reimagined Derp |work=Pixel & Picture |page=6}}</ref>


<ref name="AgentDerpDevelopment">{{Cite news |last=Hale |first=Devin |date=August 2, 2026 |title=Mob Studios Exploring New ''Agent Derp'' Film |work=ScreenGrid |page=4}}</ref>
<ref name="ChapterAddition">{{Cite news |last=Vale |first=Marissa |date=November 19, 2026 |title=''Agent Derp'' Added to Minecraft Universe's Broken Seed Chapter |work=CraftWire |page=3}}</ref>


<ref name="ChapterOneAddition">{{Cite news |last=Vale |first=Marissa |date=November 19, 2026 |title=''Agent Derp'' Added to Minecraft Universe's Broken Seed Chapter |work=CraftWire |page=3}}</ref>
<ref name="EarlyDevelopment">{{Cite news |last=Hale |first=Devin |date=August 2, 2026 |title=Mob Studios Exploring New ''Agent Derp'' Film |work=ScreenGrid |page=4}}</ref>


<ref name="DerpRecasting">{{Cite news |last=Mercer |first=Daniel |date=October 27, 2026 |title=Scott Menville Will Not Return for Minecraft Universe's ''Agent Derp'' |work=ScreenGrid |page=6}}</ref>
<ref name="InitialRecasting">{{Cite news |last=Mercer |first=Daniel |date=October 27, 2026 |title=Mob Studios Plans to Recast Derp for Minecraft Universe |work=ScreenGrid |page=6}}</ref>


<ref name="NovemberUpdate">{{Cite press release |title=Mob Studios Expands Minecraft Universe Production and Release Schedule |publisher=Mob Studios |date=November 19, 2026}}</ref>
<ref name="InitiallyStandalone">{{Cite interview |last=Brow |first=Alex |interviewer=Marissa Vale |title=Why ''Agent Derp'' Initially Stood Apart From the Broken Seed |work=CraftWire |date=October 27, 2026}}</ref>


<ref name="OutsideChapterOne">{{Cite interview |last=Brow |first=Alex |interviewer=Marissa Vale |title=Why ''Agent Derp'' Stands Apart From the Broken Seed |work=CraftWire |date=October 27, 2026}}</ref>
<ref name="JulyUpdate">{{Cite press release |title=Mob Studios Marks One Year of the Minecraft Universe |publisher=Mob Studios |date=July 31, 2027}}</ref>
 
<ref name="MenvilleReturns">{{Cite press release |title=Scott Menville Returns as Derp in the Minecraft Universe |publisher=Mob Studios |date=December 14, 2026}}</ref>
 
<ref name="ReleaseDate">{{Cite press release |title=Mob Studios Dates ''Agent Derp'' for May 2031 |publisher=Mob Studios |date=November 19, 2026}}</ref>


<ref name="SpyComedy">{{Cite interview |last=Gold |first=Jackson |interviewer=Leah Moss |title=Reinventing Derp as an Accidental Operative |work=Redstone Report |date=October 28, 2026}}</ref>
<ref name="SpyComedy">{{Cite interview |last=Gold |first=Jackson |interviewer=Leah Moss |title=Reinventing Derp as an Accidental Operative |work=Redstone Report |date=October 28, 2026}}</ref>
<ref name="TitleTreatment">{{Cite news |last=Moss |first=Leah |date=July 31, 2027 |title=Mob Studios Reveals First ''Agent Derp'' Title Treatment |work=Redstone Report |page=5}}</ref>


}}
}}


{{Minecraft Universe drafts}}
{{Minecraft Universe drafts}}
{{Minecraft Universe}}


[[Category:2031 films]]
[[Category:2031 films]]

Revision as of 10:38, 2 August 2026

Agent Derp
Directed byJackson Gold
Screenplay byFreddie Goodwin
Story by
  • Jackson Gold
  • Alex Brow
  • Freddie Goodwin
Based onMinecraft
by Mojang Studios
Produced by
StarringScott Menville
Production
companies
Release date
  • May 16, 2031 (2031-05-16)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Agent Derp is an upcoming American computer-animated spy comedy adventure film based on the Minecraft video game developed by Mojang Studios. Produced by Mob Studios, Mob Productions, and Mojang Studios, it is intended to be the fourth film in the Minecraft Universe (MIU) and the fourth theatrical installment of "Chapter One: The Broken Seed". The film is directed by Jackson Gold from a screenplay by Freddie Goodwin and a story developed by Gold, Goodwin, and Alex Brow. Scott Menville stars as Derp, reprising the role he previously portrayed in the Minecraft Cinematic Universe (MCCU) while playing a completely reimagined version of the character.

The film follows an ordinary and accident-prone resident of the Overworld who intercepts a message intended for an underground intelligence organization and is mistakenly identified as one of its highly trained operatives. Although initially unprepared for the assignment placed before him, Derp gradually proves more capable than the organization and its enemies expect.

Reports that Mob Studios was exploring a new Agent Derp film emerged in August 2026. The project entered active development that October, when Gold was announced as director and Goodwin as screenwriter. It was initially described as a standalone MIU project outside "The Broken Seed", but was formally added to the chapter in November 2026 and scheduled for release on May 16, 2031.

Mob Studios originally intended to recast Derp as part of the rebooted continuity. Menville subsequently contacted the studio and submitted a new audition after explaining his personal attachment to the character. His return was announced in December 2026. Goodwin completed the first screenplay draft by July 2027, when Menville participated in his first formal character workshop with Gold and the film's first title treatment was publicly revealed.

Agent Derp is scheduled to be released in the United States on May 16, 2031.

Premise

An ordinary and accident-prone resident of the Overworld intercepts a coded message intended for a secret intelligence organization. After being mistaken for a highly trained operative whose identity has been concealed, Derp is drawn into an assignment for which he has no formal experience.

As the organization continues to overestimate his abilities, Derp attempts to maintain the identity assigned to him while uncovering the purpose of the intercepted message. His unconventional decisions and apparent mistakes gradually reveal that he is more resourceful and capable than either his allies or enemies initially believe.

Voice cast

  • Scott Menville as Derp, an ordinary Overworld resident who is mistaken for a trained intelligence operative after intercepting a secret message. Menville previously voiced a different incarnation of Derp in the Minecraft Cinematic Universe. The MIU version does not retain the earlier character's history, relationships, or connection to Steve Stonecutter.[1]

No additional cast members have been announced.

Production

Background

The title Agent Derp was previously used for a 2021 animated film forming part of the Minecraft Cinematic Universe. The earlier film starred Scott Menville as Derp and depicted the character as an associate of Steve Stonecutter. That continuity continued through World of X – Part One (2025), while its planned sequel, World of X – Part Two, was abandoned before entering full production.

The Minecraft Universe was subsequently developed as a complete reboot that did not retain the MCCU's continuity, character histories, visual designs, or mythology. Mob Studios initially intended for all principal roles to be recast, though it did not prohibit performers from the earlier continuity from being considered for new interpretations.

Reports that the studio was exploring a new film titled Agent Derp emerged in August 2026, shortly after the first Minecraft Universe slate was announced. At the time, the project had no director, writer, cast, release date, or confirmed position within the franchise.[2]

Development

On October 27, 2026, Mob Studios confirmed that Agent Derp had entered active development. Jackson Gold was announced as director and producer, with Freddie Goodwin writing the screenplay from a story developed with Gold and Alex Brow. Brow, Lena Cross, and Gold serve as producers.[3]

The studio described the film as an animated spy comedy and adventure. The story follows a seemingly ordinary and accident-prone resident of the Overworld who intercepts a message intended for an underground intelligence organization and is subsequently mistaken for one of its operatives.

Gold said the film would use Derp's mistakes and misunderstandings as sources of comedy without portraying him as entirely incompetent. Although some of his early successes appear accidental, the story is intended to reveal that Derp possesses unusual instincts, adaptability, and observational skills that do not resemble the organization's conventional training.[4]

The film was initially announced as a largely standalone MIU story outside "Chapter One: The Broken Seed". Brow said its narrative could occur alongside the chapter without directly contributing to the conflict involving the Seed and the Hollow King.[5]

Mob Studios reversed that position in November 2026 and formally added Agent Derp to "The Broken Seed". The film was scheduled for May 16, 2031, placing it between The Ender Crown (2030) and Minecraft: The Broken Seed (2031). The studio said its inclusion would allow the film to depict the condition of the Overworld during the chapter without requiring its central spy story to become a direct continuation of the other installments.[6]

Brow said the film's placement did not confirm that Derp would appear in Minecraft: The Broken Seed. Gold similarly described the project as a complete central narrative rather than an extended introduction for another film.

Goodwin completed the first full screenplay draft by July 2027. Gold said the draft retained the mistaken-identity premise while depicting Derp as increasingly capable as the story progressed. The film remained in active development, with additional rewrites expected before production.[7]

Principal animation is tentatively expected to begin in 2029. Mob Studios has not announced the film's animation supervisor, composer, supporting cast, or production partners.

Writing

Goodwin developed the story with Gold and Brow while continuing his work on other Minecraft Universe projects, including Minecraft: The First Night and Minecraft: The Broken Seed. The filmmakers selected the spy genre to distinguish Agent Derp from the survival, dimensional fantasy, and disaster stories comprising the rest of "The Broken Seed".

The screenplay centers on a secret intelligence organization operating through concealed routes and bases across the Overworld. Derp becomes involved after receiving a message intended for an operative whose identity is unknown to most members of the organization. His possession of the message and ability to survive the circumstances surrounding it lead the organization to incorrectly assume that he is the intended recipient.

Gold said the story would draw comedy from Derp attempting to satisfy expectations that he does not fully understand. Rather than succeeding only through luck, he gradually develops his own methods of infiltration, investigation, disguise, and improvisation. These methods frequently appear disorganized but allow him to notice possibilities overlooked by formally trained characters.[4]

The new Derp does not share the MCCU character's relationship with Steve Stonecutter or participate in the events of the 2021 film. The filmmakers retained the character's optimism, physical comedy, and tendency to misunderstand situations while giving him a more independent identity within the rebooted continuity.

The film's addition to "The Broken Seed" resulted in minor revisions concerning the state of the Overworld. Cross said the connections would emerge through environmental and political consequences from earlier projects rather than direct appearances by the chapter's principal characters.[6]

Mob Studios has not revealed the intelligence organization's name, Derp's assignment, the identity of the antagonist, the film's primary setting, or its specific relationship to the Seed's instability.

Casting

Mob Studios began searching for a new performer to voice Derp before the film entered active development. The studio initially did not expect Scott Menville to return because the MIU had been established as a complete continuity reboot.[8]

After learning that the role would be recast, Menville contacted Gold, Brow, and the film's casting team. He submitted a new voice test and a written proposal describing how his performance could be separated from the earlier interpretation. Menville said he had a strong personal attachment to Derp and wanted to create a substantially different version rather than reproduce his MCCU performance.

The audition used a more restrained vocal delivery while retaining elements of Derp's comedic timing. Gold said Menville demonstrated that an actor could return without restoring the previous character's continuity or history. Mob Studios offered him the role in late November 2026 and publicly announced his casting on December 14.[1]

Brow said Menville's return was based on his enthusiasm for the character and the strength of his new interpretation rather than nostalgia for the MCCU. His casting made him the first principal performer from the previous continuity confirmed to portray a character in the MIU.

Menville participated in his first formal character workshop with Gold and Goodwin in July 2027. The sessions focused on distinguishing the new Derp's voice, physical rhythm, emotional range, and comedic delivery from the earlier incarnation. Gold said the new performance would be less exaggerated while allowing Derp's confidence and capability to develop over the course of the film.[9]

Preliminary recording is expected to begin before principal animation. No supporting performers have been announced.

Animation and design

Agent Derp will use the stylized computer-animation approach developed for the Minecraft Universe. The film will retain the block-based geometry and construction rules established by Minecraft: The First Night while developing a distinct visual identity based on spy cinema and covert organizations.

Early visual development has reportedly focused on concealed entrances, underground transportation systems, improvised gadgets, hidden bases, disguises, coded maps, and equipment constructed from recognizable Overworld materials. Mob Studios has not publicly released concept artwork from the film.

Derp's design will differ from his appearance in the Minecraft Cinematic Universe. Gold said the character should initially appear to be an ordinary Overworld resident who has assembled the appearance of an operative from equipment that was not intended for him. His clothing and tools are expected to become more functional as the story progresses.

The film's title treatment was revealed during Mob Studios' Minecraft Universe anniversary presentation on July 31, 2027. No character artwork or animated footage accompanied the title.[10]

Marketing

Mob Studios publicly confirmed Agent Derp on October 27, 2026, when it announced that the film had entered active development. The announcement revealed its director, screenwriter, producers, genre, and central premise, but did not include a logo, concept artwork, or cast information.[3]

Menville's casting was announced on December 14, 2026. The studio emphasized that his return did not connect the MIU to the previous continuity and described his character as a complete reinterpretation.[1]

The first title treatment was unveiled during Mob Studios' Minecraft Universe anniversary presentation on July 31, 2027. The design was shown without character artwork, footage, or additional cast announcements. Mob Studios did not classify the presentation as the beginning of the film's full marketing campaign.[10]

Release

Agent Derp is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on May 16, 2031.[11] It is positioned between The Ender Crown, scheduled for July 18, 2030, and Minecraft: The Broken Seed, scheduled for December 12, 2031.

The film was initially developed without a release year. Its release date was announced in November 2026 when Mob Studios formally added it to "Chapter One: The Broken Seed".

Future

Agent Derp forms part of "Chapter One: The Broken Seed", though Mob Studios has described it as a largely standalone installment within the chapter. The studio has not confirmed whether Derp or the intelligence organization introduced in the film will appear in later Minecraft Universe projects.

Brow said the film's position before Minecraft: The Broken Seed should not be interpreted as confirmation that Derp will join the principal characters in the chapter's conclusion.[6]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Template:Cite press release
  2. ↑ Hale, Devin (August 2, 2026). "Mob Studios Exploring New Agent Derp Film". ScreenGrid. p. 4.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Template:Cite press release
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Template:Cite interview
  5. ↑ Template:Cite interview
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Vale, Marissa (November 19, 2026). "Agent Derp Added to Minecraft Universe's Broken Seed Chapter". CraftWire. p. 3.
  7. ↑ Template:Cite press release
  8. ↑ Mercer, Daniel (October 27, 2026). "Mob Studios Plans to Recast Derp for Minecraft Universe". ScreenGrid. p. 6.
  9. ↑ Grant, Elise (July 31, 2027). "Scott Menville Begins Work on His Reimagined Derp". Pixel & Picture. p. 6.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Moss, Leah (July 31, 2027). "Mob Studios Reveals First Agent Derp Title Treatment". Redstone Report. p. 5.
  11. ↑ Template:Cite press release
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