On Nov. 19, Warner Bros. released the trailer for the worldwide gaming phenomenon “Minecraft’s” film adaptation. It’s expected to finally see this video-game-to-big-screen adaptation coming to theaters on April 4, 2025. Fans of the 15-year-old game franchise are optimistic about what may come from a film adaptation of a game that’s notoriously known to exist without a story.
However, online animated film critics had critiques about the initial teaser. One YouTube animation film reviewer in particular, DazzReviews, voiced his problems with the teaser and what can be improved upon before release.
“This movie is legitimately just ‘Jumanji’ again,” DazzReviews said. “It looks to be almost completely green screened.”
“Minecraft” fans say the film would have worked better as an animated feature because of the well-known fan projects created over the years.
In 2015, Minecraft’s development company Mojang partnered with Telltale Games, known for their “Walking Dead” series, to make a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure style story called “Minecraft Story Mode.” Story Mode remains to have a positive fan base after 10 years, despite its critically mixed reception compared to the entire young and old fanbase’s strong opinions towards the first teaser of “A Minecraft Movie”.
Despite the continuous negativity surrounding the film, on Nov. 19, 2024, Warner Bros. released a follow up trailer to ease fans’ hope that the film isn’t just a Hollywood cash grab. The newest trailer showed off shots featuring zombies, skeletons and villagers. Additionally, the crew behind the film included community builds such as “Redstone Chicken Farm” and a “Minecart System” traveling through the mines.
“Minecraft” has had a huge fan base since 2009, and with time came a variety of changes through updates leading up to the discussion of making a film adaptation. The film was discussed over 10 years ago resulting in difficulties in deal negotiations with Warner Bros., delays and now it’s finally getting closer into the hands of the public. Players from the early days, however, are cautious about the announcement of a cinematic live action and animation hybrid film.
Madison Powers, sophomore at Sage Creek and veteran “Minecraft” player, believes for a video game to film adaptation, “There’s something that looks off about it.” She recollects from the early days of “Minecraft,” there were ”better looking fan animations on YouTube.” For long-term fans, it’s going to do something surprising that will exceed their expectations.
Ryder Coe, sophomore at Sage Creek and avid “Minecraft” player sought both outcomes for the movie. Coe said, “It’s really difficult to make a movie about another game that’s non-linear with progression. If it’s kind of like ‘Minecraft’s’ other games like ‘Minecraft Dungeons,’ then I think it could turn out to be a pretty good movie.”
The film’s reputation has been crushed due to veteran players’ nostalgia, but it would be wise if biases were left behind knowing this film adaptation is meant for children audiences.
According to a producer of the film, Torfi Frans Ólafsson, “Minecraft is full of opportunities, where adventures, each person’s journey is different.”
He clarifies that the film is not the definitive story of “Minecraft.” “A “Minecraft” Movie” is just one of many stories that can be told within this world.
