Jack Black Stars in “Minecraft” Movie, Bringing Game to Life with Humor and Heart

Jack Black returns to the big screen as the lead in “A Minecraft Movie,” a live-action adaptation of Mojang Studios‘ wildly popular 2011 video game. With a strong personal connection to the game through his kids, Black found the film’s blocky world easy to step into. “My kids were obsessed with ‘Minecraft’ long before this movie came along,” Black shared. “So I learned how to play because I’ve always loved games.”

The film is set in the iconic Overworld, an alternate dimension built entirely from cubes, where Black plays Steve, a man who has spent much of his life trapped in this surreal, geometric land. The story takes a dramatic turn when two new characters—Garrett, played by Jason Momoa, and Dawn, portrayed by Danielle Brooks—stumble upon Steve’s artifacts in the real world. A magical cube soon transports them into the Overworld, launching an epic journey of survival and discovery.

A highlight of the film’s production was a particularly comedic scene between Black and Momoa, dubbed by the actors as “the man sandwich.” The moment required them to squeeze together while sharing a flying device to pass through a tight space. “It was a bonding experience and pure comedy gold,” Black said. “When I read it, I thought, ‘Holy cannoli, are we really doing this?’ I imagined pulleys, maybe a llama ride… But we did it, and it worked.”

Directed by Jared Hess, the film seeks to authentically capture the spirit and visual style of the original game, while still taking some creative liberties. Though it doesn’t replicate every feature, the movie includes beloved elements familiar to longtime players. “This isn’t about replicating every detail,” Black explained. “But fans will be thrilled by the appearance of creepers, zombies, villagers—all the classic features that make Minecraft what it is.”

Blending adventure, humor, and nostalgia, “A Minecraft Movie” is designed to appeal both to veteran gamers and newcomers. With its theatrical release set for this Friday, the film offers an entertaining new take on one of the most influential video games in history.

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