Jack Black Builds Mansion on Private Minecraft Movie Server

The recently released *A Minecraft Movie* has brought the iconic block-building game to the big screen, and the filmmakers took an innovative approach by creating their own Minecraft private server for the entire cast and crew to use. This immersive experience allowed them to stay true to the game's essence, with Jack Black, who plays Steve in the film, taking his role to heart by constructing a grand mansion atop the highest mountain in the server, complete with an art gallery.

Producer Torfi Frans Ólafsson shared with IGN that having Minecraft readily available created an atmosphere reminiscent of an indie game studio, buzzing with creativity and ideas. Although not all concepts could be incorporated into the final film due to its ongoing development, the server enabled the team to add unique elements that enhanced the movie's authenticity.

Director Jared Hess praised Jack Black's dedication, noting that Black fully immersed himself in the game. "Jack was super-weirdly method with the game," Hess remarked, highlighting Black's enthusiasm for harvesting resources and building within the game, which led to a constant flow of fresh ideas for the film.

Jack Black himself humorously shared his commitment to the role, stating, "I had an Xbox in my trailer and I did play because *an actor prepares.*" He aimed to showcase his Minecraft skills by constructing a standout mansion, complete with a stairway and an art gallery in the basement, on the server's highest peak.

A Minecraft Movie Gallery

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Ólafsson confirmed that Black's mansion still exists on the server, which he extended for a year. Interestingly, he encountered two security guards from the set who were still active on the server, warmly welcoming him back.

While it's uncertain if audiences will ever see Jack Black's 'Real Minecrafter' Mansion in the film, the behind-the-scenes stories provide fascinating insights into the creative process of bringing the beloved game to life on the big screen.

For more on *A Minecraft Movie*, you can read our review, delve into an explainer of the film's ending and post-credits scene, and learn about its record-breaking domestic box office debut as the highest-grossing video game adaptation to date.