Jack Black Builds Mansion on Private Minecraft Movie Server

The recently released A Minecraft Movie has taken an innovative approach to authenticity by creating a private Minecraft server for its cast and crew. This immersive tool allowed them to dive deep into the game's world, ensuring the film stayed true to the Minecraft experience. Jack Black, who portrays Steve, embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, constructing an impressive mansion atop the server's highest mountain, complete with an art gallery in the basement. This dedication showcases his commitment to embodying a "real Minecrafter."

The presence of the Minecraft server greatly enhanced the filmmaking process, fostering a collaborative environment reminiscent of an indie game studio, as noted by producer Torfi Frans Ólafsson in an interview with IGN. Although not every idea generated on the server could be incorporated into the film due to its advanced stage of production, it allowed the team to add unique elements that captured the essence of Minecraft. Director Jared Hess praised Black's methodical approach, mentioning how he was constantly engaged with the game, even harvesting resources like lapis lazuli and brainstorming new ideas from his trailer.

"It was so much fun," Hess remarked. "Jack was super-weirdly method with the game. He was in his trailer harvesting lapis lazuli and always building stuff. [He] was geeking out on the game and would come back with ideas. It was a constantly evolving thing where everybody was contributing in their own fun, unique way."

Jack Black himself confirmed his dedication, stating, "I had an Xbox in my trailer and I did play because an actor prepares," with a grin. "So I got as many hours as I could on this Minecraft server, which had tons of props from all the different departments. The cast and crew on the server were building some insane structures and I wanted to stand out. I wanted everyone to know that I was a real Minecrafter, so I said I was going to find the biggest, highest mountain in this world and build a stairway to Steve and a mansion up on top of that hill. I had a basement in there with an art gallery and... I don't even know if it's still there!"

A Minecraft Movie Gallery

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Ólafsson confirmed that Black's mansion is still standing on the server, even extending its availability for a year. He recounted a recent visit where he encountered two security guards from the set who were still actively using the server. "It's up!" Ólafsson confirmed. "I kept it up and I extended it for a year. I popped up in there a couple days ago and I said, 'Wait, there's somebody online!' I went in, and there were these two security guards who worked the gate on set and and they're like, 'Hey, welcome!' I said, "You guys are still in here?' and they said, "Oh, yeah!"

While it remains uncertain whether Jack Black's 'Real Minecrafter' Mansion will make it into the final cut of the film, the behind-the-scenes stories add a fascinating layer to the movie's production. The commitment to authenticity and the collaborative spirit fostered by the Minecraft server highlight the passion and creativity involved in bringing the beloved game to the big screen.

For more insights into A Minecraft Movie, check out our review, our explainer of the film's ending and post-credits scene, and learn how it achieved the largest domestic box office debut for a video game adaptation last weekend.