The highly anticipated movie adaptation of the wildly popular gameMinecrafthas found its unlikely champion in none other thanJack Black. Known for his dynamic performances in films likeKung Fu Panda 4, Black is now delving deep into the pixelated world of Minecraft, aiming to bring a level of uniqueness to the film that he believes could land him an Oscar.

During a recent interview withGamesRadar+, Black revealed his fervent dedication to understanding the intricacies of Minecraft. He admitted to spending considerable time playing the game when not filming, immersing himself in its unique mechanics and aesthetics. Black said:

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“I like to be in that Minecraft headspace. I like to know the rules, and I like to get little, like, things like, ‘Oh, in the game you pickaxe like this. You hit stuff like that,’ then I do that in the movie. I think the members of the Academy will appreciate my research later.I don’t want to jinx it, but I’m pretty sure I’m getting an Oscar for this one…”

Minecraft, often likened to online Lego, is a game that encourages creativity and exploration. Players navigate diverse landscapes, constructing shelters, battling mobs, and gathering resources in survival mode, while creative mode offers unlimited resources and the freedom to build without constraints. Black’s commitment to replicating the game’s experience on screen, down to the specific way characters wield a pickaxe, demonstrates his desire tohonor the source material and resonate with its vast fanbase.

Jack Black in School of Rock alongside Steve in Minecraft.

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Even though production began in New Zealand in January, the film’s details are still being kept under wraps. Directed by Jared Hess, who previously collaborated with Black onNacho Libre, the live-action adaptation promises an intriguing blend of talent, including Kate McKinnon, Jermaine Clement, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, Matt Berry, and Jennifer Coolidge. Black’s character, ‘Steve,’ is a nod to the game’s iconic default avatar, and there are hints of a musical number, a prospect that has fans buzzing with excitement.

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Danielle Brooks, famous for her performance inThe Color Purple, expressed her excitement about the project, suggesting she and Black might perform musically. “You can’t do a movie with Danielle Brooks and Jack Black and not have us do something,” she remarked, echoing the anticipation for what could be a memorable cinematic experience.

As theMinecraftmovie takes shape, the fusion ofJack Black’s comedic and musical talentswith the beloved game’s imaginative world presents a promising venture. Whether or not Black’s Oscar aspirations come to fruition, his dedication to bringing authenticity to his role is a testament to the evolving relationship between cinema and video gaming. As these two worlds continue to intersect, the possibilities for innovative storytelling and entertainment seem boundless.