<P> Napoleon Dynamite is a 2004 American comedy film produced by Jeremy Coon , Chris Wyatt , Sean Covel and Jory Weitz , written by Jared and Jerusha Hess and directed by Jared Hess . The film stars Jon Heder in the role of the title character , for which he was paid $1,000 . After the film 's runaway success , Heder re-negotiated his compensation and received a cut of the profits . The film was Jared Hess ' first full - length feature and is partially adapted from his earlier short film , Peluca . Napoleon Dynamite was acquired at the Sundance Film Festival by Fox Searchlight Pictures and Paramount Pictures , in association with MTV Films . It was filmed in and near Franklin County , Idaho in the summer of 2003 . It debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2004 . The film 's total worldwide gross revenue was $46,118,097 . The film has since developed a cult following . </P>
when did the movie napoleon dynamite come out
2004