Jack Black Spends Over 100 Hours Playing Minecraft While Filming Upcoming Movie

In a future collaboration between Warner Brothers, Legendary Entertainment, and Microsoft, the highly anticipated Minecraft Movie is an ambitious endeavor to transform a cherished, multi-generational video game into a successful cinematic experience. As revealed in a fresh interview with Variety, the filmmakers are mindful of the hurdles involved in adapting such a treasured, cross-generational game for the big screen.

Unlike past video game adaptations like the troubled Borderlands or Halo TV series, Minecraft Movie aspires to sidestep the missteps of its predecessors.

Nevertheless, achieving the success enjoyed by The Last of Us and Fallout is no easy feat, especially for a game built on player creativity and liberty.

Making Jack Black play hundreds of hours of Xbox

In a surprising twist, Jack Black wasn’t initially cast as Steve in the production. Originally, Steve was conceived as a talking pig, but the character evolved late in development to become human, due to the need for an experienced host. This decision, however, sparked controversy among fans who felt that Jack Black was simply playing himself in the trailers.

According to Torfi Frans Ólafsson, Mojang’s senior director, this Steve isn’t the one you or I know. Instead, it’s Jack Black’s interpretation of the character. Some fans were taken aback when they saw the early teasers and trailers, commenting that it looked like just Jack Black in a different role. Yet, perhaps it is just that – Jack Black embodying this character as he sees fit.

Ólafsson revealed to Variety that Black took his new role very seriously on set. This dedication was partly fueled by Ólafsson’s insistence on having Xbox consoles available during filming and private Minecraft servers for the cast and crew to play together.

Remarkably, Jack Black spent over 100 hours playing Minecraft, earning him the title of the most passionate player on set. He became obsessed with finding lapis lazuli, a bright-blue stone in the game, and even asked if he could discuss it in the movie.

A Minecraft Movie Hero Pack available to download today

Fans can sample the upcoming movie experience through in-game content. Alongside a Minecraft Movie add-on featuring fresh Piglins, bosses, and weapons from the film, you can also seize the Hero Pack that empowers you to embody Jack Black or Jason Momoa in your personal Minecraft adventure, complete with his striking pink jacket.

Merchandise for the Minecraft Movie is already rolling out, with toys available ahead of its release on April 4, 2025.

As a parent and gamer, I’m thrilled about the upcoming Minecraft Movie. It’s not often that a game transcends generational differences, but Minecraft has managed to do just that by introducing both my teenager and my preschooler to gaming, creating a shared hobby for all of us. I eagerly anticipate the movie providing a similar experience.

The filmmakers seem to grasp their responsibility in this endeavor. Ólafsson acknowledges the pressure he feels: “Success is defined by whether my kids think I didn’t mess it up. My 18-year-old son, who grew up with Minecraft, has implored, ‘Just don’t let them ruin this.’

We’re all hoping the same. Don’t let us down, Warner Bros!

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2025-03-20 19:41