Director Jared Hess explained the choice of piglins as the main villains in `A Minecraft Movie`, contrasting them with the game`s portrayal where they are usually provoked before attacking. In the film, they embody a relentless, orc-like horde, adding a unique twist to their in-game behavior.
Hess highlighted the challenge of adapting the vast Minecraft universe into a single film, noting the abundance of iconic creatures. While the Ender Dragon might seem like an obvious antagonist, Hess favored the piglins, drawn to their `piglin barbarian` persona, complete with cannibalistic tendencies and gold obsession, set in the visually striking Nether.
`A Minecraft Movie` features Jason Momoa, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, Sebastian Eugene Hansen, and Jack Black as Steve, who are transported to the Minecraft world. The plot revolves around a MacGuffin desired by the piglin leader, depicted as a cruel figure who even harms piglin children. This establishes a diverse range of antagonists, from ordinary pigs to formidable brutes, all united in their hostility towards humans, or `roundlings`.
Creative director Torfi Frans Ólafsson mentioned that choosing the Ender Dragon as the main villain felt like an overused trope. The film embraces its surreal nature, exemplified by a scene where Jack Black rides Jason Momoa`s character like a Pegasus. During filming, Black entertained the crew with impromptu renditions of the NeverEnding Story theme.
The movie evokes a `Return to Oz` atmosphere, blending bright, physical sets with unsettling elements. Zombies resembling Jack Black`s Steve melt grotesquely in sunlight, and the `villager` mobs are intentionally made disturbing with their oversized CGI heads. The piglin leader`s child-killing adds to the film`s unexpectedly dark undertones, potentially creating a new generation of childhood nightmares through its visual style.
Hess detailed the practical approach to bringing villagers to life, using actors in suits with CG heads for expressions. This blend of practical and digital effects contributes to their peculiar movement, enhancing their unsettling presence.
Adding to the bizarre humor, Jennifer Coolidge`s character, though not entering Minecraft, has a romantic subplot with a villager. Coolidge was given creative freedom, leading to improvisational and hilarious scenes that captivated the cast and crew.
The entire cast appears to enjoy filming, injecting enthusiastic energy into their roles. Jason Momoa`s character is intentionally portrayed as out of his element, frequently overwhelmed by Minecraft`s creatures, allowing for comedic and unexpected vulnerability.
Hess emphasized the desire to present Momoa in a different light, showcasing his comedic side as he gets comically defeated by piglins, creepers, and zombies, complete with a memorable scream. Audiences can experience this when `A Minecraft Movie` releases on April 4.
Callum Darby 
Finley Holt