Minecraft movie: Bringing the blockbuster world to life in Auckland
The highly anticipated Minecraft movie was released globally on 4 April, after being filmed right here in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Titled A Minecraft Movie, the live-action feature film adds another major international production to our region's growing film portfolio.
The film, shot at Auckland Film Studios, a variety of locations around the Auckland region and Huntly in the Waikato, stars Jason Momoa, Jack Black and Jennifer Coolidge of The White Lotus fame. Produced by Warner Bros and Legendary, the movie is based on the second highest-selling video game of all time.
Shooting in New Zealand was one of the best production experiences of my life. The crew was unbelievable, 10 steps ahead of you, and every location was incredible.
Jared Hess
Director
Auckland played a crucial part in bringing the pixelated, sandbox universe of Minecraft to life. The production took full advantage of the region's adaptable, diverse landscapes and purpose-built sound stages.
Led by acclaimed Auckland-based production designer Grant Major, the team translated Minecraft's iconic cubic aesthetic into rich, physical environments that respected the game's legacy while unlocking new cinematic possibilities.
Key filming locations in the Auckland region included:
Helensville, as the location for the Game Over World store and petting zoo, Waimauku for road scenes and Otahuhu College
Auckland Film Studios – Provided key build space and infrastructure for in-studio practical builds including Midport Village, Woodland Mansion, forests and biomes
With over 85 per cent local crew and 84 per cent New Zealand cast, the production activated the Auckland region, employed local talent, showcased the region’s key facilities and innovation, and invested significantly across sectors. Backed by the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR), it reflects our strength as a creative partner, not just a production service.
The production team was particularly impressed with Auckland's film infrastructure, which ensured seamless integration between practical effects and VFX, with close collaboration between art department, stunt teams and post-production.
At the London premiere, cast members described New Zealand as a beautiful, magical country, praising the food, culture and incredible sets.
Jason Momoa, actor and producer, shared his enthusiasm: "The very first moment I landed, I knew this is where I want to be. Because of the people, the culture, the landscape. It made sense for Minecraft to shoot here, because it's one of the biggest, most beautiful worlds you can make. And there's a whole lot of behind-the-scenes talent here too."
Director Jared Hess was equally impressed, describing the New Zealand team as "dialled in and ten steps ahead," praising their speed, professionalism and ability to anticipate what was needed. He added, "Shooting in New Zealand was one of the best production experiences of my life. The crew was unbelievable, 10 steps ahead of you, and every location was incredible."
Jack Black, one of the film's stars, commented on the authenticity achieved. "The sets looked just like the game, blocky, faithful, amazing, and the New Zealand crew helped build it all. You're going to be blown away."
Throughout the various builds and locations, production integrated sustainability best practice across departments, highlighted in a Warner Bros.-produced featurette focused on New Zealand's leadership in green screen production.
Torfi Olafsson, Producer at Mojang Studios, summed up the experience: "The local community welcomed us with open arms. We hired New Zealanders on and off screen. That energy shows in the film."
Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how A Minecraft Movie was brought to life in New Zealand: Behind the Build: Making A Minecraft Movie in New Zealand.