When Jack Black received the opportunity to dive into the “Minecraft” movie project, the allure was multifold. Not only would he reunite with director Jared Hess of “Nacho Libre” fame, but he would also share the screen with Jason Momoa and immerse himself in a universe cherished by millions worldwide. Before making his decision, Black turned to the experts in his household – his sons, dedicated players of the game. Their reaction was more than positive; they implored him to accept the role.
Since the announcement of “A Minecraft Movie,” which opens in theaters this Friday, the buzz has been palpable. Black, playing the main character Steve, who becomes adept at navigating the game’s Overworld, finds himself teaming up with a diverse group pulled into this imaginative space by a peculiar cubic object. To prepare, Black not only relied on his sons’ insights but also spent over 100 hours playing the game on set, ensuring he could authentically convey the essence of Minecraft. “I wanted to speak their language,” Black mentioned, reflecting on joining his sons in their passion.
Joining Black and Momoa in the film are Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Coolidge, and Sebastian Hansen. Before stepping into the Overworld on-screen, Black dedicated his time to mastering the game alongside his sons, going beyond the confines of the script to truly understand the gaming world’s intricacies. “I put the work in,” he claimed, emphasizing the importance of research and preparation, while watching numerous YouTube tutorials to learn survival strategies within the game.
Since its launch in 2009, Minecraft has grown exponentially, transforming from a modest game into a global sensation with more than 235 million copies sold. Its open-ended playstyle allows users to engage in activities ranging from mining and crafting to large-scale cooperative building projects. The game’s unique ability to foster creativity and problem-solving skills has cemented its status, not just as a game, but a veritable digital canvas.
Actors like Myers and Hansen, who play pivotal roles in the film, have long been fans of Minecraft, attributing their interest to not just the gameplay, but the creativity it inspires. Myers noted, “Minecraft kind of forces you to be creative,” discussing how the game cultivates problem-solving in unconventional ways.
Adapting popular video games for the silver screen has often been hit-or-miss, but recent films like the “Sonic” series, “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” have showcased the potential of successful adaptations. These blockbusters have achieved impressive box office numbers, with “Super Mario Bros.” alone raking in over $146 million on its opening weekend, underscoring the shift in audience perception toward video game films.
Jared Hess, the film’s director, feels that Minecraft transcends the traditional gamer demographic, fostering a family activity that transcends generations. With the game being central to his own family dynamic, the transition to directing a movie based on it was a natural progression. “There’s so many places you can go with it,” Hess commented, excitedly discussing the creative possibilities, given the game’s lack of an inherent storyline.
Torfi Frans Ólafsson, a creative director at Minecraft and producer of the film, echoes the sentiment, reflecting on the familial bonding moments the game creates. Needing little more than a joint sense of adventure, Minecraft serves as a vessel for creating shared experiences, bringing players together over their quests and achievements.