The Heart Behind ‘A Minecraft Movie’: Jill Messick’s Inspiring Story
The recent success of Warner Bros./Legendary’s A Minecraft Movie, surpassing $900 million at the box office, traces back to a heartfelt motivation driven by a mother’s love for her son. This remarkable journey began when Jill Messick, a former executive at Miramax and Lorne Michaels Entertainment, recognized her son Jackson’s deep enthusiasm for the world-building video game, Minecraft.
Jill Messick’s Vision
In 2011, Jill Messick found herself at a crossroads between producing projects, having worked on notable films like Baby Mama and the Oscar-winning Frida. Witnessing her 11-year-old son’s fascination with Minecraft, Messick was inspired to reach out to Mojang Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, to inquire about acquiring movie rights for the game. This bold move set the foundation for a decade-long project.
The Initial Encounter with Mojang
Messick’s determination led her to fly to Sweden and pitch the concept to Markus Persson, the game’s creator. During a time when video game adaptations had a mixed reputation in Hollywood, Mojang was cautious about entering into such partnerships. Nevertheless, Messick’s enthusiasm and understanding of the game struck a chord.
Building a Creative Team
Upon returning to Hollywood, she collaborated with Gregory McKnight, an agent from CAA, who then connected her with Jay Baker and Micah Green, two agents who also shared a connection to the game through their children. This mutual understanding of Minecraft’s appeal aided in securing the film rights and ensured that Mojang felt comfortable retaining some ownership of the project.
Continued Pursuit of the Rights
As Messick pursued the film rights, she faced competition from producer Roy Lee and Warner Bros. executive Greg Silverman, both of whom were equally passionate about Minecraft. After several years and various negotiations, a collaboration between Messick and Lee was suggested, culminating in a successful agreement with Mojang in February 2014, just as The Lego Movie was gaining widespread acclaim.
A Shared Commitment to Authenticity
During the negotiations, both Mojang and Warner Bros. were committed to ensuring that the Minecraft adaptation would be a live-action film rather than a hybrid format. This dedication to authenticity helped reinforce trust between the involved parties, even as Mojang transitioned into Microsoft’s ownership later that year.
Years in Development
The journey to bring A Minecraft Movie to life took nearly a decade, during which various writers and filmmakers came and went. However, the steady presence of production executive Jesse Ehrman helped guide the project through changing industry landscapes and executive shifts at Warner Bros.
Honoring Jill Messick’s Legacy
Jill Messick’s life ended tragically in February 2018, yet her legacy remains integral to the film. In tribute, Warner Bros. invited her husband and children to the world premiere in London on March 30, coinciding with Mother’s Day in the UK. This gesture not only honored Messick’s contributions but also highlighted the emotional core of the film’s origin story.
A Story of Love and Commitment
Ultimately, the story of Jill Messick is a poignant reminder of the power of passion, creativity, and determination in the film industry. The success of A Minecraft Movie symbolizes how dedication and innovative thinking can lead to meaningful outcomes, showcasing that Hollywood can indeed possess a heart.