In April 2025, titans of film production Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros. Entertainment are set to mine profits with the release of "Minecraft in Cinema." This adaptation of one of the world's most popular games promises an abundance of cubic objects, absurdity, and humor aimed at school-aged viewers.
The film's plot revolves around four misfits who unexpectedly find themselves transported through a mysterious portal into a strange cubic wonderland. This land thrives on imagination, and to return home, the heroes must learn the quirks of their new reality. The trailer, released in September 2024, reveals that the film begins with the story of Steve, a cult character in the game. Steve, obsessed with mining, discovers a strange cubic object that transports him to the Upper World.
Steve's life in the Upper World takes a sudden turn with the arrival of Garret, Natalie, Don, and Henry. The game Minecraft, developed by the Swedish studio Mojang in 2011, quickly gained immense popularity. By 2014, Microsoft had acquired Minecraft for $2.5 billion, and almost immediately, plans to bring it to the big screen were set in motion. However, the film's development faced numerous challenges, including a decade-long production period and the change of three directors. It wasn’t until 2022 that management of the project was handed over to Jared Hess, which finally moved the film forward.
Hess may not have been an expert on the subject, but he demonstrated a necessary sense of humor and an understanding of the tone of Minecraft. The main cast was quickly assembled, with Jason Momoa landing the lead role. His pink jacket combined with his black curls offers a striking and visually appealing choice. Joining him are Jack Black, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, and young Sebastian Hansen, who was seen as a lucky find for the project.
When the first trailer for Minecraft in Cinema was released in September 2024, fan reactions were mixed. Many expressed disappointment with the visual style and other elements. However, director Jared Hess and producer Torfi Frans Olafsson took this criticism in stride. Most viewer complaints centered around the film being a hybrid—a live-action story with digital elements—rather than a fully animated feature, which fans had anticipated.
According to Olafsson, the film has been in development for so long that many who will see it were not even born when initial contracts were signed and discussions took place. Yet, the inclusion of live actors was planned from the start. The film, lasting 1 hour and 41 minutes, is described as a great 1.5-hour trailer for a game released 16 years ago. Markus Persson, the creator of Minecraft, became a phenomenon, captivating millions of gamers. Now, Mojang, with the support of Warner Bros., is making a new bet with Minecraft in Cinema.
Despite the mixed reviews, which show only 53% positive ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is expected to perform well at the box office, with projections suggesting it could earn $65-70 million in the U.S. and $130 million worldwide during its opening weekend. Critics have pointed out that the target audience of this film is much younger than the average critic, and many of them are devoted fans of the game.
In the film, Steve (played by Jack Black) is a character who dreamed of working in the mines but found himself caught in the monotony of adult life. His journey begins when he discovers a portal in a mine, leading him to the Upper World, where everything consists of cubic blocks and creativity knows no bounds. However, the plot thickens when Steve finds himself in the Nether, where pig-like monsters, led by the villainous Malgosha, seek to destroy creativity.
Alongside Steve, Garret Garrison (Jason Momoa), Natalie (Emma Myers), and Henry (Sebastian Hansen) embark on a quest to save the Upper World. The film is structured like a road movie, where new characters appear in each act, and all plot lines converge at the end. The characters must navigate through challenges, fight zombies and creepers, and ultimately confront Malgosha in an epic battle.
Critics have noted that while the film may not offer a profound narrative, it captures the essence of Minecraft through its humor and playful spirit. The film's pacing keeps viewers engaged, with constant action and comedic moments that resonate with both gamers and non-gamers alike. The film does not shy away from fan service, incorporating familiar mechanics from the game, such as crafting and resource gathering, which are cleverly explained for those unfamiliar with the game.
While the film's characters might not exhibit deep development, they are relatable enough for audiences to connect with them. The dynamic between the characters, especially between Steve and Garret, adds layers of humor and warmth to the narrative. The film is ultimately a lighthearted adventure that embraces the whimsical nature of the Minecraft universe, making it accessible to viewers of all ages.
As the film approaches its release date, excitement continues to build among fans eager to see how their beloved game translates to the big screen. With its colorful graphics and engaging storyline, Minecraft in Cinema is poised to be a hit, fulfilling its role as an entertaining escapade for families and fans alike. The film's charm lies in its ability to capture the joy of creativity and exploration that Minecraft embodies, ensuring that both fans and newcomers will find something to enjoy.
