Video game adaptations have firmly established their presence in the cinematic landscape, with recent successes underscoring their growing appeal. Earlier this year, Jared Hess’s A Minecraft Movie marked a significant milestone as the second game adaptation in just three years to claim the top spot at the global box office, following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. With a sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, slated for release next year, the trend shows no signs of slowing. Meanwhile, Prime Video’s Fallout has captivated audiences and made a splash in the awards circuit, with its second season set to premiere next month.
These adaptations, however, have approached their source material in distinct ways. While The Super Mario Bros. Movie is entirely animated and Fallout leans heavily on practical sets and costumes, A Minecraft Movie innovatively blends live-action performances from stars like Jack Black and Jason Momoa with digital landscapes that mirror the iconic aesthetic of Minecraft, one of the most beloved video games in history.
Translating the Game to Film
In a recent discussion with Gold Derby, members of the film’s visual effects team—including Warner Bros. VFX supervisor Dan Lemmon, Wētā FX’s VFX supervisor Sheldon Stopsack, and Wētā FX’s animation director Kevin Estey—shared insights into the challenges and triumphs of bringing Minecraft to the big screen.
One of the primary hurdles in adapting Minecraft lies in its open-world nature, which lacks a definitive storyline or characters. “You’re adapting something that is different for everyone,” Stopsack explains, noting the diverse experiences players have with the game. Some are drawn to its horror elements, while others enjoy the creative crafting aspects. The challenge was to create a cohesive narrative that resonated with all these varied interpretations.
Warner Bros. acquired the rights to Minecraft over a decade ago, yet it took years of development and multiple directors before the project found its footing under Hess’s direction. “It’s like they bought this machine that was going to print gold, but they couldn’t figure out how to turn it on,” Lemmon reflects. The breakthrough came when they decided to frame the story as a “fish-out-of-water” narrative, allowing characters from the real world to enter the Minecraft universe. Hess infused the project with his signature absurdist comedy, setting the stage for a unique cinematic experience.
Initial reactions to the film’s first trailer were mixed, with many fans expressing confusion. “Let’s just be honest, it wasn’t the best trailer,” Lemmon admits. Despite positive audience testing, the trailer failed to convey the film’s essence, leading to skepticism about the adaptation’s direction. “There was some very vocal dissent and confusion about what we were doing,” he adds, highlighting the challenges of meeting fan expectations.
Bringing Characters to Life
In the film, Black’s character, Steve, embodies enthusiasm as he navigates the Minecraft world, a portrayal enhanced by Black’s genuine passion for the game. “Mojang set up a little server for our cast and crew to play in,” Lemmon recalls, noting Black’s active participation in building set pieces within the game. “He was the perfect ambassador for Minecraft,” Lemmon praises, likening him to Gandalf, the wise guide of the Minecraft universe.
One standout moment that resonated with fans was the “chicken jockey” scene, a clever nod to an obscure element within the game. “The chicken jockey is extremely rare,” Lemmon explains, emphasizing its significance for dedicated players. The film’s interpretation of this concept underwent Hess’s creative lens, resulting in a humorous and memorable sequence that delighted audiences.
“Jared is so funny. He’s got this library of references, which he calls his ‘basket of ding-dongs,’” Lemmon shares, describing how Hess drew inspiration from quirky visuals to shape the baby zombie character. The playful physicality of the scene, choreographed by stunt coordinator John Valera, added an extra layer of entertainment, showcasing the dynamic between the characters.
The chicken jockey scene became a theatrical highlight, with audiences enthusiastically engaging with the film. “For many of us, the chicken jockey scene is emblematic of that full-circle journey,” Estey reflects, expressing gratitude for the positive reception. The moment served as a testament to the film’s ability to connect with fans, ultimately proving the skeptics wrong.
