Shortly after Warner Bros. Pictures unveiled the first teaser trailer for “A Minecraft Movie,” fans of the beloved video game franchise took to social media to share their thoughts.

This adaptation of the gaming phenomenon stars Jason Momoa as a real-life character and Jack Black portraying Steve, a master crafter and the game’s primary playable character.

Given that Minecraft is one of the highest-selling video games ever, it’s no wonder that its passionate fanbase had various reactions regarding the initial glimpse at the film.

Directed by Jared Hess (known for “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Nacho Libre”), the Minecraft movie aims to merge the game’s distinct blocky aesthetics with live-action components, leading to mixed feelings among fans. Many rushed to social media after the trailer’s release to critique the animation style, character designs, and use of CGI.

Here’s what you should know about the debut trailer for “A Minecraft Movie” and the fans’ reactions.

Trailer Showcases Black and Momoa in Minecraft Realm

The teaser trailer features Minecraft’s iconic building blocks, creatures, and villains, all set to The Beatles’ classic “Magical Mystery Tour.”

In the trailer, Momoa plays Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, who mysteriously finds himself in the vibrant world of Minecraft alongside fellow actors Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, and Sebastian Eugene Hansen.

Jack Black makes a dramatic entrance as Steve, introducing himself to the group.

Jennifer Coolidge is also part of the film but does not appear in the teaser.

What Is the Plot of the Minecraft Movie?

“A Minecraft Movie” is inspired by the well-known sandbox building game that was launched in 2011.

According to an official synopsis from Warner Bros., the story follows four outcasts who end up in the cubic Minecraft world where they must defend it from foes like Piglins and Zombies while trying to find their way back home.

Reactions to ‘A Minecraft Movie’ Teaser are Mixed

Many long-time fans of Minecraft expressed that the film’s visual approach strayed too far from the unique pixelated style of the game. Instead, they voiced discontent regarding the heavy reliance on CGI and the disturbingly realistic animal designs.

The varied opinions flooded social media, with one writer from Esquire lamenting that the trailer’s release “ruined my week.” A writer at PC Gamer stated the film might take the title of “the worst thing to happen to cinema in 2024,” surpassing the previously criticized Borderlands adaptation.

On X (formerly Twitter), some users likened the trailer’s visuals to something generated by AI.

Others expressed their dissatisfaction with the combination of live-action and CGI.

Voice actor Michael Edwards criticized the decision to create a live-action adaptation rather than an animated version. He expressed, “I do not understand the decision to have live-action actors in the Minecraft world, when Minecraft translates so incredibly well to animation. The green screen here is horrendous.”

Several users were appalled by the animal designs, noting that the game’s blocky creatures had been transformed into entities resembling their real-life counterparts in a disturbing manner.

One user compared this choice of design to the backlash received by Sonic the Hedgehog’s movie adaptation, which required significant rework in 2020.

“Realistic animation will ruin us all,” declared user TommyInnit on X.

Add to this the bewilderment over Momoa’s wig choice.

When Will ‘A Minecraft Movie’ Be Released?

“A Minecraft Movie” is scheduled to hit theaters on April 4.