Hollywood is obsessed with video games. Over the past few years we’ve seen a number of big-screen productions based on the games, including ones starring Nintendo’s Mario and Sega’s Sonic. The list is set to grow with A Minecraft Movie, which hits theaters in April next year and which released its first official trailer this week. It’s a short clip that, however, gives us a taste of what the game is all about.
The Minecraft movie trailer confirms what we already feared: it’s a live-action movie
When strong rumors about a Minecraft movie began to circulate in 2022, it was already said that it would be a live-action film, meaning that it would feature real-life actors. This is a decision that usually generates controversy in films based on video games since, naturally, it represents a relevant translation for a universe that has historically been digital.
“Minecraft” is the best-selling game in history. (Photo: Microsoft)
The Sonic movies have done just that, and they’ve done quite well: the first two installments were box-office hits, and they’re already preparing the third installment, which will be released this year in December. Although the blue hedgehog is animated, he interacts with real actors and actresses. For their part, Nintendo and Illumination —creators of the new Mario Bros. movies— have gone all-in on computer animation.
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The Verge has a strong opinion of the first trailer for A Minecraft Movie, describing it as “fun and creepy.” “This is what happens when you mix the iconic style of the block game with real life,” they say.
A Minecraft Movie: What do we know about the film?
The trailer confirms that the film is aimed at pure fun: more jokes than an action-focused adventure. Jack Black’s participation is part of that search. With a prominent beard, the actor plays Steve, one of the figures of that game in which the characters have cubic heads, just like the blocks that make up that universe.
Jack Black protagoniza “A Minecraft Movie”. (Foto: Captura/Warner Bros. Pictures)
The cast includes Jason Momoa (remembered for his role in Aquaman), Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, Sebastian Eugene Hansen and Jennifer Coolidge. It is directed by Jared Hess, known for his work on Napoleon Dynamite.
The production is backed by Hollywood giant Warner Bros., which decided to take up a project that had numerous cancellations and delays. Initially, a 2022 release was planned.
When is the Minecraft movie coming out?
A Minecraft Movie is set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025. The challenges ahead are no small feat: its inspiration is the best-selling video game in history.
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For the uninitiated, that is a title that came out in 2009 and over the years became one of the most successful gaming titles. The studio that created it, Mojang, was acquired by Microsoft in 2014. In addition to the film, Netflix is working on an animated series also based on Minecraft, remembering that on that platform there is an interactive production that allows viewers to influence the plot, in the best Choose Your Own Adventure style.
