He's an outsider in an outsider community," Covel says. Hess based the character on his own youth, but Covel claims a stake in that tale as well. "I was Napoleon Dynamite," Covel says with a laugh.

As the Deseret News celebrates its 175-year milestone, we’re looking at prominent arts and entertainment figures past and present who have graced the Beehive State with their talent.

A Minecraft Movie has steadily risen to become one of the most successful global titles in 2025, smashing box office records worldwide.

Before A Minecraft Movie, Jared Hess made this wacky heist film, starring Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson, and Kristen Wiig.

“Napoleon Dynamite,” a quirky, offbeat comedy that was released in 2004, has become a cult classic and is one of the most quotable movies of the 21st century. Written by Jared and Jerusha Hess ...

When asked if Hollywood is finally facing its video game renaissance, Jared Hess abruptly switched topics, from “Minecraft” to “Nosferatu.” “I just loved it,” “A Minecraft Movie” director Hess told ...

After living a mostly low-key career after he and wife Jerusha launched with the Sundance sensation Napoleon Dynamite in 2004, director Jared Hess has come roaring back with A Minecraft Movie, a true ...

Hess revealed that the idea was baked into the script from the very start. “Yeah, we knew from the get-go, like, ‘Okay, if we get Jennifer, she’s got to fall in love with a Nitwit and see ...

He and his wife and frequent collaborator, Jerusha Hess, became an overnight sensation after making Napoleon Dynamite, a cult classic that took more than $46 million on a $400,000 budget and won ...

Jared and Jerusha Hess' follow-up to 2004's sleeper hit Napoleon Dynamite was a fun fable featuring Jack Black as a Catholic friar who secretly moonlights as a luchador to earn money for a ...

Director Jared Hess, recognized for his distinctive comedic style and quirky narratives, is at the helm of this project. Although he typically collaborates with his wife, Jerusha Hess, he does ...

The film, written by Jared and Jerusha Hess and directed by Jared, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 17, 2024, and Fox Searchlight Pictures picked it up and began releasing it in US ...