My Kids Helped Me Interview Jason Momoa About A Minecraft Movie

My kids have been talking about A Minecraft Movie for months. It was exciting that their favourite video game was becoming a feature film. Even more exciting was the idea that the world of Minecraft would be turned into a live-action environment they could imagine themselves in.

So, the opportunity to see the movie before it came out and then have their mom interview star Jason Momoa? Mind-blowing.

In a big movie theatre with only two other journalists and a security guard, my kids were able to whisper their observations without being shushed. They spotted Easter eggs, like the tribute to Minecraft YouTuber Technoblade, who died of cancer in 2022. And they pointed out what could and couldn't actually happen in the game, like when Sebastian Eugene Hansen's character Henry uses real-world items to create an unconventional weapon on a crafting table.

They liked that the movie adds some humorous lore to a game that doesn't really explain how the title character Steve arrived in the Minecraft world. The idea that he is a mining-obsessed office worker played by Jack Black is hilarious. And Momoa's character, Garett, brings an experienced gamer to the world's many challenges. The movie is silly, funny and highlights the importance of imagination and creativity, a message we all appreciated.

The interview

In that spirit, instead of asking Momoa about his acting motivations or the delays caused by the pandemic and the writer's strike, I used my kids' burning questions for our interview. So now, when you take your kids to see it, you can answer their questions accurately.

How much did you know about Minecraft before making the movie?

I just knew of it. I've never played it before. So when I was approached, I was actually working with my producer from Dune. We became really good friends and he just knew that I have kids and he just kind of got my sense of humour. And he's like, "Dude, you got to do a comedy." I'm like, "I'd love to. Just no one really gives me a shot at it." And he's like, "I got something for you."

So he told me about Minecraft. I knew nothing about it. But then he explained it to me and just said, at the root of it, it's just about protecting imagination. And I can relate to that.

I was like, I got to have Jack. He's perfect to play Steve. And then we got my dream actor and we were off to the races.

What was it like working with Jack Black?

He's exactly what you think he'd be like, but better. He's perfect.

We laughed so hard at the scene where Jack Black was riding you through the air.

I actually wrote that scene. It was one of my favourite moments. I just thought it would be really funny to see these two big guys; the only way they're going to survive is if they go nose to toes, like a man sandwich. It's just silly to see these guys have that moment and squeeze their cheeks together. And they do it to survive.

How did they make it look like you were flying?

We're definitely on wires. So they put us in harnesses and we get on wires in different flying situations. So they would do that and the cameras would be on cranes and the cameras would move around us like we're flying.

What were the sets like? Were there square trees?

We have all these square trees and animals. They built the whole world around us. It's just the big, far-off spots that would be CGI. Everything close to us is real.

Who were you fighting with when the zombies attacked you?

Those would be my stunt friends. They would have something on top of their heads that had a zombie face. So they would be a little bit taller, and then it would just be them in a polka dot suit, so they could put the effects on it.

If you had a crafting table, what would you make?

A motorcycle.

Have you ever had tater tot pizza before? (This question will make more sense once you've seen the movie.)

I love tater tots. I grew up in the Midwest, so yeah, you definitely have tater tots.

Thanks so much. It's been a pleasure chatting with you.

Sending my love to the kids. I'm happy they really liked it.