Jack Black Builds Mansion on Minecraft Movie Team's Private Server

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 unique environment allowed everyone involved to immerse themselves in the game's world, significantly enhancing the film's true-to-game feel. Notably, Jack Black, who portrays Steve in the movie, embraced the opportunity to prove his Minecraft prowess by constructing an impressive mansion atop the server's tallest mountain, complete with a basement art gallery.

Producer Torfi Frans Ólafsson shared with IGN that having this server felt like working in an indie game studio, buzzing with creativity and ideas. Although not all concepts could be integrated into the film due to its ongoing production, this collaborative space enabled the team to add special touches that resonated with the essence of Minecraft. Director Jared Hess praised Black's dedication, describing him as "super-weirdly method" with the game, often seen harvesting resources like lapis lazuli and constantly building within the server.

Jack Black humorously noted his commitment to the role, stating, "I had an Xbox in my trailer and I did play because *an actor prepares.*" His goal was to stand out among the cast and crew by creating a remarkable structure. His mansion, dubbed the 'Real Minecrafter' Mansion, became a symbol of his dedication and is still accessible on the server, as confirmed by Ólafsson, who extended its availability for a year. Surprisingly, even after the film's completion, security guards from the set continued to enjoy the server, warmly welcoming Ólafsson when he checked in.

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While the future of Jack Black's mansion remains uncertain, the behind-the-scenes stories add a delightful layer to the film's production. The creative use of a Minecraft server not only enriched the movie's authenticity but also fostered a collaborative and playful atmosphere among the team.

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