History of Napoleon Dynamite in Timeline
Napoleon Dynamite is a 2004 independent comedy film about an awkward high school student named Napoleon. He navigates the trials and tribulations of adolescence, including making new friends, pursuing a romantic interest, and dealing with his eccentric family. One of his friends, an immigrant, decides to run for class president, and Napoleon helps him with his campaign. The film portrays Napoleon's humorous and often cringeworthy attempts to fit in and find his place in the social landscape of high school.
January 2004: Napoleon Dynamite debuts at Sundance
In January 2004, 'Napoleon Dynamite', a film partially adapted from Jared Hess's short film 'Peluca', made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival. The film was later acquired by Fox Searchlight Pictures for release.
January 17, 2004: Napoleon Dynamite premiere at Sundance
On January 17, 2004, 'Napoleon Dynamite' premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, setting the stage for its acquisition by Fox Searchlight Pictures, which led to its eventual theatrical release.
June 11, 2004: Napoleon Dynamite theatrical release
'Napoleon Dynamite' was released in theaters in the United States on June 11, 2004, after being picked up at the Sundance Film Festival by Fox Searchlight Pictures.
December 21, 2004: Napoleon Dynamite Home Media Release
On December 21, 2004, "Napoleon Dynamite" was released on VHS and DVD in North America by 20th Century Fox and internationally by Paramount. The DVD included both full screen and letterbox formats, along with deleted scenes and audio commentary.
2004: Napoleon Dynamite Critical Reception and Year-End Lists
In 2004, "Napoleon Dynamite" received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its unique style and others criticizing its humor. It appeared on several year-end lists, including Rolling Stone's 25 Top DVDs of 2004.
2006: Release of Little Miss Sunshine
"Little Miss Sunshine," a film set in a small town and influenced by the success of "Napoleon Dynamite," was released in 2006 and achieved critical and commercial success.
2006: Napoleon Dynamite: Like, the Best Special Edition, Ever!
In 2006, a 2-disc special edition DVD of "Napoleon Dynamite" was released with additional content, including more deleted scenes and a second commentary track. However, it was later discontinued in favor of the original DVD and the Blu-ray release.
2007: Release of Juno
"Juno," another small-town film influenced by "Napoleon Dynamite," was released in 2007 and also gained critical acclaim and commercial success.
2008: Royalty Audit Reveals Discrepancies
In 2008, an audit revealed that Fox Searchlight was allegedly underpaying royalties to Napoleon Pictures for home video sales of "Napoleon Dynamite." This led to a lawsuit filed by Napoleon Pictures in 2011.
April 2010: Animated Series Announced
In April 2010, Fox announced the development of an animated "Napoleon Dynamite" series with the original cast.
2010: Napoleon Included in Entertainment Weekly's Greatest Characters List
In 2010, Entertainment Weekly ranked Napoleon Dynamite #88 on its list of "The 100 Greatest Characters of the Last 20 Years."
2010: Heder and Ramirez Reunite in "When in Rome"
Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez, who played Napoleon and Pedro in "Napoleon Dynamite," appeared together in the 2010 film "When in Rome."
August 30, 2011: Napoleon Pictures Sues Fox Searchlight
On August 30, 2011, Napoleon Pictures, the production company behind "Napoleon Dynamite," filed a lawsuit against Fox Searchlight Pictures for $10 million, alleging underreported royalties and improper revenue deductions related to home video sales.
January 15, 2012: Animated Series Premieres
The animated "Napoleon Dynamite" series premiered on January 15, 2012.
May 14, 2012: Animated Series Cancelled
Fox cancelled the animated "Napoleon Dynamite" series after six episodes on May 14, 2012.
May 2012: Fox and Napoleon Pictures Go to Trial
In May 2012, Fox Searchlight Pictures and Napoleon Pictures went to trial over a royalty dispute related to "Napoleon Dynamite" after failing to reach a settlement.
June 19, 2012: Royalty Trial Begins
The trial between Fox Searchlight Pictures and Napoleon Pictures regarding royalty disputes for "Napoleon Dynamite" commenced on June 19, 2012.
November 28, 2012: Court Ruling in Royalty Dispute
On November 28, 2012, a court ruled largely in favor of Fox Searchlight Pictures in the royalty dispute case with Napoleon Pictures. However, Napoleon Pictures was awarded $150,000 due to accounting irregularities.
June 2, 2014: Napoleon Dynamite 10th Anniversary Blu-ray Release
On June 2, 2014, "Napoleon Dynamite" was released on Blu-ray to commemorate the film's 10th anniversary.
June 9, 2014: 10th anniversary screening of Napoleon Dynamite
On June 9, 2014, a special screening of 'Napoleon Dynamite' was held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles to celebrate its 10th anniversary. A bronze statue of the character was also placed at the 20th Century Fox studio lot.
November 4, 2014: Complete Animated Series Released on DVD
The complete animated "Napoleon Dynamite" series was released on DVD on November 4, 2014, by Olive Films.
2016: Burger King Cheesy Tots Ad
In 2016, Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez reprised their "Napoleon Dynamite" roles for a Burger King commercial promoting the return of cheesy tots.
September 2020: Sequel Discussions Begin
In September 2020, reports emerged that discussions were taking place regarding a potential sequel to "Napoleon Dynamite." Jon Heder expressed interest in a darker take on the characters.
January 2023: Heder Believes Sequel is "Inevitable"
In January 2023, Jon Heder stated his belief that a sequel to "Napoleon Dynamite" was "inevitable" and reiterated his preference for a darker tone.
January 24, 2024: 20th anniversary screening at Sundance
On January 24, 2024, the 20th anniversary of 'Napoleon Dynamite' was celebrated with a screening at the Sundance Film Festival. A new 4K restoration of the film was showcased, supervised by Jared Hess.
October 2024: Sequel Possibility Remains Open
In October 2024, Jon Heder once again suggested that a sequel to "Napoleon Dynamite" was possible, indicating that "the door's not closed yet."
