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 engage with the game firsthand, enhancing the film's connection to its source material. Jack Black, who portrays Steve in the movie, embraced this opportunity wholeheartedly, constructing a grand mansion atop the server's tallest mountain, complete with a unique art gallery in its basement.

Producer Torfi Frans Ólafsson highlighted to IGN how this server fostered a dynamic, indie game studio-like atmosphere where creativity flowed freely. Although not all ideas could be incorporated due to the project's momentum, the server enabled the team to add special touches that resonated with the spirit of Minecraft. Director Jared Hess praised Black's dedication, noting his methodical approach to the game, from harvesting resources to constantly generating new ideas for the film.

"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 shared his enthusiasm, saying, "I had an Xbox in my trailer and I did play because an actor prepares. 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!"

A Minecraft Movie Gallery

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Ólafsson confirmed the enduring presence 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 they're like, 'Hey, welcome!' I said, 'You guys are still in here?' and they said, 'Oh, yeah!' "

While the fate of Jack Black's 'Real Minecrafter' Mansion remains uncertain, the behind-the-scenes stories of A Minecraft Movie highlight the creative process and dedication to bringing the beloved game to life on the big screen.

For further insights, be sure to read our review of A Minecraft Movie, our explanation of the film's ending and post-credits scene, and discover how it achieved the largest domestic box office debut for a video game adaptation last weekend.