Jack Black Builds Mansion on Private Minecraft Movie Server

The recently 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 experience allowed everyone involved to truly engage with the game, fostering a creative environment reminiscent of an indie game studio. Producer Torfi Frans Ólafsson told IGN that this setup was instrumental in generating ideas and adding unique elements to the film, enhancing its connection to the game's world.

Director Jared Hess highlighted the dedication of Jack Black, who plays Steve in the movie. Black's commitment to the role extended into the virtual world, where he spent time harvesting resources and building structures. "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,*" 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!"

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Ólafsson confirmed the persistence of Black's creation, saying, "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 it remains uncertain whether audiences will ever see Jack Black's 'Real Minecrafter' Mansion, the behind-the-scenes insights into the filmmaking process and how the team brought the beloved game to life are always fascinating. For more on *A Minecraft Movie*, check out our review, an explanation of the film's ending and post-credits scene, and how it achieved the largest domestic box office debut for a video game adaptation to date.