The newly released *A Minecraft Movie* has taken an innovative approach to authenticity by setting up a private Minecraft server for its cast and crew. This immersive tool played a pivotal role in capturing the essence of the game on the big screen. Jack Black, who portrays Steve in the film, went above and beyond to showcase his dedication to the Minecraft universe. He constructed a sprawling mansion atop the highest mountain within the server, complete with a unique basement art gallery. This endeavor was his way of proving himself as a "real Minecrafter" among his peers.
The use of the Minecraft server was instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment, akin to an indie game studio, as producer Torfi Frans Ólafsson explained to IGN. Although not every idea generated on the server made it into the final cut due to the project's momentum, it allowed the team to sprinkle additional authenticity and "pizzazz" into the film. Director Jared Hess praised Black's commitment, noting how he was deeply engaged with the game, often seen harvesting resources 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 embraced the role, stating, "I had an Xbox in my trailer and I did play because *an actor prepares.* 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!"
Confirming the mansion's persistence, Ólafsson added, "It's up! 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 the fate of Jack Black's 'Real Minecrafter' Mansion remains uncertain, the story of its creation adds a fascinating layer to the making of *A Minecraft Movie*. The film's use of a Minecraft server not only enhanced the authenticity but also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the team behind it.
For more insights, be sure to read our review of *A Minecraft Movie*, our detailed explainer on the film's ending and post-credits scene, and how it achieved the largest domestic box office debut for a video game adaptation in history last weekend.
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