In the wake of Technoblade’s passing in 2022, a mantra emerged within the Minecraft community: “Technoblade never dies.” This phrase encapsulates the enduring legacy of the beloved content creator, who captivated nearly 11 million subscribers with his engaging Minecraft videos on YouTube. Following his death from cancer, an outpouring of tributes flooded the internet, reflecting the profound impact he had on fans and fellow gamers alike.
A Tribute in Film
Among those inspired to honor Technoblade was Sebastian Hansen, who found himself cast in the upcoming A Minecraft Movie. Determined to ensure Technoblade’s memory was woven into the film, Hansen took it upon himself to approach the director, Jared Hess, with his heartfelt request.
“I’m flying over [to set], and I kept telling my dad that I wanted to tell the director that there’s this guy who passed away, and I wanted there to be a tribute to him,” Hansen recounted during a panel at Tampa Bay Comic Con. With a mix of nerves and determination, he made his way to Hess’s office. “I said, ‘Hey Jared, there’s this guy named Technoblade. He’s this cool Minecrafter and he passed away from cancer. Is there any way we can say anything about that?’” To Hansen’s relief, Hess responded positively, encouraging him to gather photos and ideas for the tribute.
The next day, Hansen arrived with printed photos and a vision for how Technoblade could be honored on screen. “A little while later, I almost forgot it, and there was this one scene, and he says, ‘Okay, Sebastian you’re going to point to the pig.’ It really meant something to me, because it’s hard when people pass away. So, it was definitely something to have memorabilia for him,” he shared.
For those who have seen the film, the scene in question features Hansen’s character pointing to a pig adorned with a crown, designed to resemble Technoblade’s iconic avatar. When Hansen’s character inquires about the pig’s identity, Jack Black’s character responds, “He’s a legend.” This poignant moment serves as a touching tribute to Technoblade’s legacy.
Having witnessed the film multiple times, I can attest to the audience’s emotional response to the tribute. Each screening elicited a strong reaction, underscoring the significance of Hansen and Hess’s thoughtful homage. In a world where digital connections often transcend physical boundaries, the tribute to Technoblade stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and remembrance within the gaming world.
