Minecraft: The Nether Wars

## Film Chronology

*"A World That Was Taken."*
―Tagline
***Minecraft: The Nether Wars*** is a 2023 Australian animated superhero film produced by Benjamin Knowles & Freddie Goodwin and released by Mob Productions. The film is directed by Neil Druckmann and written by Freddie Goodwin. It is the fourth film in the *Minecraft* film series, and is the sequel to *Minecraft: Block Wars* (2019). It follows Steve Stonecutter and Alex Stonecutter and the team's battle against ultimate evil.

In 2019, production for a third main Minecraft film began with the cast from both *Minecraft* (2016) and *Minecraft: Block Wars* (2019) set to return in some compacity. Goodwin originally had Benjamin Knowles, Homer Gutierrez, Myla Salazar and Wilma Zimmerman in charge of writing the film. Though in June 2020, Goodwin ultimately decided to write and direct the film himself.

Goodwin took full control of the project following the conclusion of development for *Block Wars*. He knew he had to make sure this film would knock all expectations out the park and blow fans minds, to ensure that, he took full control, feeling he knows what needs to be done. Being the first film to feature Herobrine as a antagonist, since hinting at him since 2016, Goodwin knew his appearance needed to mean something big.

*Minecraft: The Nether Wars* premiered on December 20, 2023 worldwide in cinemas. The film recieved critical acclaim, with praise for Goodwin's direction, Gustin's and Harrelson's performances, visual effects, themes, emotional weight, the score, and Knowles' cinematography. The film grossed $1.25 billion worldwide, making it the second highest grossing Minecraft film to date. A sequel is in development.

## Plot

Two years after the defeat of the Viler Witch, Steve Stonecutter and Alex Stonecutter discover a essence of energy mainly found in the Nether dimension, but are confused on how it appeared in the overworld.

Steve has a vision and finds out that a powerful dangerous entity is coming and returns to Diamond Hill Village to ask Jackster some questions, but encounter a village raid, from a dozen Piglins, soldiers of the Nether.

Alex finds the location of the portal and destroys it, but is captured by the Piglin Master, who wants revenge for the Overworld trapping him in the Nether forty years prior. Alex tries to convince him to stop and reveal his identity, but only the latter works. He reveals himself simply as "Max", who wants to get revenge and reward himself for the time he has lost.

In a post-credits scene, a figure in a enchanted forest turns around with glowing white eyes and grins. Text appears on the screen saying "Herobrine is coming!"

## Characters

* Grant Gustin as Steve Stonecutter
	+ Herobrine, a evil duplicate of Steve, appears in a small compacity within the film. He has no voice actor.
* Amy Poehler as Alex Stonecutter
* Ronnie del Carmen as Jackstar
* Scott Menville as Derp
* Catherine O'Hara as Viler Witch
* Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Max / The Piglin Master

## Production

### Development

Following the success of the first film, Mob Productions asked Goodwin if he wanted to return for a second film, to which he accepted and began developing the sequel in August 2017.

Following the success of the first film, Mob Productions had asked Goodwin to return to direct, though he ultimately decided he didn't want to continue with the series. They brought well known director, Zack Snyder into the film after he agreed. He decided to ultimately keep the

### Casting

Goodwin personally contacted Jeffrey Dean Morgan and asked if he would like to be in the film, to which Morgan declined the offer at first. However, after a few days of thinking, Morgan felt the need to ask for more information as he felt intrigued to what the Minecraft film could be about - and revealed he declined because he didn't want to portray a villain who has no meaning other than "I want to rule the world." After Goodwin explained the role and storyline his character has, he instantly agreed to join the project.