If you lined up at the theater for the 2016 Warcraft film, rewatched your favorite Orc vs. Alliance scenes on streaming, or even dressed up as Lothar for a convention, you’ve probably asked at least once: are they making another World of Warcraft movie. The first film split critics but earned a dedicated following among long-time WoW players, grossing over $439 million globally despite underperforming in North American markets. For years, fans have bounced between hopeful rumors and disappointing updates about a potential sequel, and we’re breaking down everything confirmed, speculated, and worth watching for in the coming years.
Are They Making Another World of Warcraft Movie? Official Update Breakdown
When the first Warcraft film released in 2016, Legendary Pictures held the adaptation rights, and early talks of a sequel started popping up within months of its theatrical run. Those talks stalled after the film failed to hit domestic box office targets, and the rights eventually reverted back to Blizzard Entertainment in 2022 when the initial deal expired. Blizzard’s 2024 content roadmap teased “transmedia experiences” tied to the upcoming Worldsoul Saga, the three-expansion arc that will run through WoW content until 2027.
As of now, no formal greenlight for a second WoW film has been announced, but multiple current and former Blizzard employees have mentioned internal discussions about expanding the IP into film and long-form television. No official production start date has been shared, even for projects that are in early planning stages. Blizzard has a history of sitting on announcements until projects are well into development, so fans could get a surprise reveal as soon as the next BlizzCon event.
Why a WoW Sequel Makes Sense for Both Studios and Fans
It’s easy to see why Blizzard would revisit the Warcraft film concept now, versus a few years ago. The first film was a massive hit in international markets, earning over $225 million in China alone, proving there’s a huge global audience for WoW-focused storytelling. The game itself has also seen a resurgence in popularity, with over 10 million monthly active players as of mid-2024, driven by the critically acclaimed Dragonflight and The War Within expansions.
The rise of high-quality video game adaptations has also shifted studio attitudes toward game IP. Just a few years ago, game adaptations were seen as risky, but recent hits like The Last of Us, Arcane, and Fallout have proven that loyal fan bases will show up for projects that respect the source material. For Blizzard, a well-made WoW film would not just earn box office revenue, it would also drive new players to the game and give existing players new ways to engage with lore they already love.
There’s also no shortage of source material to pull from. The first film only covered the very start of the First War, one small chapter in over 30 years of established Warcraft lore. Studio teams wouldn’t have to make up new stories from scratch, they could pick from dozens of beloved, fully fleshed-out plotlines that already have built-in fan interest.
Fan Rumors and Potential Plotlines for a Second WoW Film
Fans have been speculating nonstop about what a second WoW movie would cover, and the most popular picks line up with existing lore that casual viewers can follow even if they’ve never logged into the game. The most requested plotlines across fan forums and social media include:
Some fans have also pushed for a limited series instead of a single two-hour film, arguing that a longer format would give creators time to develop complex lore without rushing plot points or cutting fan-favorite characters. Blizzard has previously said they prioritize lore accuracy over mass market appeal for their transmedia projects, so fans can expect any future film or series to stay true to existing canon if it moves forward. I’ve even seen dozens of fan cast threads on Reddit, with many pushing for Henry Cavill to take a lead role, given his well-documented love of the game.
What to Expect If a New WoW Movie Gets Greenlit
If Blizzard does announce a second WoW film in the next year or two, don’t expect to see it in theaters anytime soon. CGI-heavy fantasy films usually take 3 to 4 years to complete from the start of production to release, so we’re likely looking at a 2028 or 2029 release window at the earliest, even if a project is greenlit this year. There’s also a chance it could go straight to streaming instead of a traditional theatrical release, especially if Blizzard partners with a service that already hosts their animated content.
There’s a high chance any future WoW film will tie directly to ongoing game content, to encourage cross-promotion between the movie and the active player base. That means we could see in-game events, cosmetics, or even limited-time questlines tied to the film’s release, similar to the promotions Blizzard ran for the first 2016 movie. It’s unclear if the original cast would return, but many of the lead actors have expressed interest in reprising their roles if the script stays true to the lore.
For now, the best way to stay updated on potential WoW film news is to tune into BlizzCon opening ceremonies. Blizzard almost always reveals their biggest cross-platform projects at the annual event, and any official announcement of a sequel would almost certainly happen there first.
At the end of the day, the question are they making another World of Warcraft movie doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer right now, but all signs point to it being more likely than it has ever been before. The success of recent game adaptations, the growing WoW player base, and Blizzard’s stated focus on transmedia content all set the perfect stage for a sequel to finally happen. Even if we have to wait a few more years, the chance to see your favorite WoW characters on the big screen again is definitely worth holding out for.
