Minecraft (film)

## Mob Cinematic Universe

***Minecraft*** is a 2016 Australian animated superhero film produced by Benjamin Knowles & Freddie Goodwin and released by Mob Productions. The film is written by Wilma Zimmerman from a story by Benjamin Knowles, Homer Gutierrez & Myla Salazar and is directed by Freddie Goodwin. The film is the first film in the *Minecraft* film series. It follows Steve Stonecutter and Alex Stonecutter as they face off against a powerful Witch who wants to rule the place known as Diamond Hill Village.

Development for *Minecraft* began in 2012 with Mob Productions placing Freddie Goodwin in charge of the project, scheduled for a 2015 release, but was pushed back to 2016. Goodwin hired multiple writers to ensure the project has the best writing possible. The film was first announced in June 2013 and was confirmed to be releasing on June 18, 2016.

*Minecraft* premiered worldwide on June 18, 2016, and was released to the Mob Productions YouTube channel on June 10, 2017, the year following. The film recieved positive reviews from critics, with praise for its animation, humor, writing, and musical score. The film made $1.62 billion in its time in cinemas. A sequel, *Minecraft: Block Wars*, was released on December 12, 2019. A second sequel, *Minecraft: The Nether Wars*, was released on December 20, 2023.

## Plot

Steve Stonecutter and his best friend Alex Stonecutter, seasoned adventurers in their Minecraft world, continue to navigate through its challenging terrains. Having braved multiple nights besieged by the perilous mobs of Zombies, Skeletons, and Creepers, their resilience and camaraderie are undeniable. In a heartwarming turn, they adopt a pet wolf, endearingly naming him Jerry, further solidifying their bond as a team.

Their journey leads them to "Diamond Hill Village," a quaint settlement where they meet its mayor, Jackstar. Jackstar confides in Steve and Alex about the mysterious rumors of "Herobrine" lurking in the area. Intrigued and ever-helpful, Steve commits to aiding in the investigation. It is here that they cross paths with Derp, an agent from the Good Justice Society, dedicated to eradicating crime worldwide.

As dusk falls, Diamond Hill Village faces a dire threat. Mobs, now bolstered by the sinister powers of the "Viler Witch," launch a ferocious assault. The witch's malevolent intent is clear: to destroy everything Steve and Alex cherish and to seize control of the village. Undaunted by this daunting challenge, the duo rallies the villagers, training them to defend their home. Despite their valiant efforts, the village is overrun once more. In a climactic confrontation, Viler ominously proclaims his dominion over Steve's life and his intent to resurrect the essence of Herobrine. In a pivotal moment, Alex bravely defeats Viler, but the victory is bittersweet as Steve is haunted by a vision of himself as Herobrine, a specter he narrowly escapes from.

Jackstar, deeply grateful, extends his thanks to Steve, Alex, and Derp for their heroic efforts. Derp, bound by his duty, informs them of his need to return to the Good Justice Society for an emerging case. Steve, understanding the call of duty, wishes him luck as he departs. With Jerry at their side, Steve and Alex set forth onto their next adventure, undeterred by the challenges that lie ahead.

In a mysterious post-credits scene, the narrative takes a darker turn. Deep beneath the village, in a hidden dungeon, a shadowy figure known as "Agent Death" is seen operating. With sinister intentions, he activates a portal to the Nether dimension, hinting at the unfolding of more ominous events in this ever-evolving Minecraft world.

## Voice cast

* 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

Other voices include Dylan Buccieri, Assaf Cohen, Jessica DiCicco, Terri Douglas, Karen Huie, Arif S. Kinchen, Austin Madison, Cole Massie, Alisha Mullally, Fred Tatasciore, Kari Wahlgren, and Secunda Wood in undisclosed roles.

## Production

### Development

Following the success of the game that released in 2011, Mob Productions worked with Mojang Studios to have Freddie Goodwin and his team work on a movie, and potentially a movie franchise. Mojang agreed to the idea and gave the movie rights to them on the condition Goodwin remained in charge of all future movies, if future movies were made.

### Writing

In writing *Minecraft*, Goodwin hired Wilma Zimmerman, Benjamin Knowles, Homer Gutierrez and Myla Salazar. On multiple occasions, Goodwin stated that the writing process for the movie was the "hardest and most challenging part" of it all to make sure the film felt like Minecraft.