Jack Black, Jason Momoa enter Minecraft universe

LOS ANGELES (AP) — When Jack Black got the call to star in the “Minecraft” movie, the perks were plenty.

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He got to work alongside Jason Momoa, reunite with “Nacho Libre” director Jared Hess and engulf himself into a beloved gaming universe.

But before agreeing, Black turned to the real decision-makers: his sons, who are avid Minecraft players. They didn’t just give their approval, but practically begged him to take the role.

Like his sons, Black has noticed the buzz since the release announcement of “A Minecraft Movie,” which hits theaters Friday. The actor was already familiar with the video game, having played it occasionally with his sons while preparing for the live-action adaptation.

“My boys were playing it, and I wanted to speak their language,” said Black, who stars as the main protagonist Steve, who becomes an expert Minecrafter after being sucked into the Overworld dimension. His character eventually teams up with a band of misfits who are mysteriously pulled through a portal into this new realm by a cubic object that thrives on imagination.

The film also stars Momoa, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Coolidge and Sebastian Hanessey.

Before his character found himself in the Overworld, Black immersed himself in the Minecraft gaming world alongside his sons. He spent over 100 hours playing the game while on set. “I got to put the days of work in. Watch YouTube videos to get some tips on how to survive that first night in the Overworld. I was pretty versed in it.”

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