After a decade-long journey of development and filming, the long-awaited first trailer for *A Minecraft Movie* has finally been released. The idea for adapting the iconic video game from Mojang Studios first emerged in 2014, with Shawn Levy, known for *Deadpool* and *Wolverine*, initially set to direct. However, after his departure, Rob McElhenney from *It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia* took over, only to leave due to scheduling conflicts, paving the way for Peter Sollett of *Metal Lords*. Ultimately, the directorial reins were handed to Jared Hess of *Napoleon Dynamite* fame, who proceeded with a revised script by Chris Bowman and Hubbel Palmer, with Jason Momoa being the first to join the cast.
Amid the growing popularity of video game adaptations, Warner Bros. has finally unveiled the first trailer for *A Minecraft Movie*.
The trailer, depicted above, showcases a group of humans bewildered as they enter the world of the beloved video game, encountering everything from roaming animals to various lurking threats. The preview concludes with Jack Black revealing himself as Steve, demonstrating a unique mastery of in-game abilities.
Insights from *The Minecraft Movie* Trailer on the Video Game Adaptation
#### Hess & Co.’s Vision: A Blend of Live-Action and CGI Adventure
Although initially reported as a live-action project, the trailer for *A Minecraft Movie* provides a clearer look at Hess’s approach to adapting the game, featuring live-action characters amidst the blocky aesthetic of the original. Based on the trailer, the designs appear to remain faithful to the game, particularly the Piglins and Creepers, though the sheep and llamas seem slightly modified, likely to appeal to a younger audience, given the game’s enduring popularity among children.
Instead of a direct adaptation like *Borderlands* or *The Last of Us*, the film seems to draw inspiration from the *Jumanji* formula.
One of the notable revelations of the trailer is the introduction of the cast, previously shrouded in secrecy. In April 2024, Jack Black disclosed his role as Steve, the game’s protagonist. However, details about the rest of the cast were scarce. The trailer now confirms Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks from *Peacemaker*, Emma Myers from *Wednesday*, and Sebastian Eugene Hansen are new human characters, while the roles of Jennifer Coolidge, Kate McKinnon, and Jemaine Clement remain undisclosed.
I Love You Jack Black - Good Luck With Your Minecraft Movie Role
Another major update from the trailer is insight into the film’s narrative. Rather than a direct adaptation like *Borderlands* or *The Last of Us*, the movie seems to follow a *Jumanji*-inspired storyline, where individuals from the real world are drawn into the game, embarking on a journey to escape and discover more about themselves. Here’s the official plot description from Warner Bros:
*Welcome to the world of Minecraft, where creativity doesn’t just help you craft, it’s essential to one’s survival! Four misfits—Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Momoa), Henry (Hansen), Natalie (Myers), and Dawn (Brooks)—find themselves struggling with ordinary problems when they are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld: a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they’ll have to master this world (and protect it from evil things like Piglins and Zombies, too) while embarking on a magical quest with an unexpected, expert crafter, Steve (Black). Together, their adventure will challenge all five to be bold and to reconnect with the qualities that make each of them uniquely creative…the very skills they need to thrive back in the real world.*
Can *The Minecraft Movie* Revitalize Jack Black’s Video Game Film Success?
Beyond finally bringing the film to theaters after numerous delays, the release of *A Minecraft Movie* marks the continuation of Jack Black’s involvement in video game-themed films. While *Jumanji* was originally a book adaptation, its subsequent films transitioned the game to a different medium. Black also recently appeared in *The Super Mario Bros. Movie* and *Borderlands*, which received vastly different critical and commercial responses. The chart below illustrates how Black’s video game films have performed on Rotten Tomatoes and at the box office:
With *Borderlands* falling short of expectations from both critics and audiences, *A Minecraft Movie* might be pivotal in restoring Black’s streak of successful video game films. Despite mixed early reactions to the trailer, with some fans criticizing the live-action choice over animated shorts popular on YouTube since the game’s debut, others remain intrigued or find the movie promising as an entertaining adventure.
8 Super Mario Bros Movie Complaints That The Sequel Needs To Fix (Despite $1 Billion Box Office)
Considering the initial backlash faced by *The Super Mario Bros. Movie* before it became a record-breaking $1.362 billion success, there is potential for *A Minecraft Movie* to overcome skepticism and achieve box office success. Scheduled for release on April 4, 2024, it faces minimal competition, with only Disney’s *Snow White* remake two weeks earlier and Ben Affleck’s *The Accountant 2* three weeks later. Even if it doesn’t meet expectations, a *Super Mario Bros. Movie* sequel is slated for 2026, possibly reviving Black’s video game film success.
Source: Warner Bros.
Minecraft: The Movie
- Comedy
- Action
Based on the worldwide phenomenon Minecraft, the crafting, building, adventuring game from Mojang Studios, comes Minecraft the Movie. When a teenage girl and a ragtag group of misfits turn out to be their world's only hope against the all powerful Ender Dragon, they'll band together to save all of Overworld. The film is being directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre) and so far Jason Momoa is the only rumored casting assigned. The film was originally slated for release on March 4 2022, but due to the ongoing pandemic, Warner Bros. has delayed the film indefinitely. Until now, the film has undergone several script revisions, with the original screenplay being handled by Jason Fuchs and Rob McElhenney. The film has since changed several writers and directors.
