Another actor nearly playedSteve in A Minecraft Movie before Jack Black took his place. Based on the popular video game, the new film follows four misfits who are sucked through a portal into the cubic world of Minecraft, and must embark on a quest back to the real world with the help of an expert crafter named Steve, played by Black. A Minecraft Movie‘s cast also includes Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, Sebastian Hansen, Jennifer Coolidge, and many cameos.
Although, another actor nearly played Jack Black’s role. The latest edition of Puck‘s “What I’m Hearing” newsletter by Matthew Belloni reveals that Matt Berry was originally cast in the role of Steve in A Minecraft Movie. However, he had to take a “lesser part” because of scheduling conflicts after the 2023 actors’ strike.
What This Means For A Minecraft Movie
Matt Berry Still Made A Cameo
Matt Berry is best known as Laszlo Cravensworth in What We Do in the Shadows, but he was unable to play Steve in A Minecraft Movie due to scheduling issues. Though Belloni didn’t specify what those were, Berry was likely busy filming the sixth and final season of What We Do in the Shadows. Although he wasn’t able to play Steve, Berry still made a cameo in A Minecraft Movie during the mid-credits scene as the voice of Nitwit, a jobless villager dating Jennifer Coolidge, who finally begins to speak.
Berry’s What We Do in the Shadows co-star Jemaine Clement also plays Daryl, an auctioneer, and Bruce, Malgosha’s father, in A Minecraft Movie.
Though he was originally set for a much more substantial role, Berry’s cameo during A Minecraft Movie‘s mid-credits scene serves a purely comedic function, playing off the long-running gag regarding the quirky sounds made by the Villagers. Because of his refined British accent, Berry’s voice is an unexpected twist compared to the typically monotone voices of the Villagers. In just a brief time, Berry was able to steal the scene, showing just how great he could have been in the more substantial role of Steve.
Our Take On Jack Black Playing Steve
It Boosted The Movie’s Star Power
Following hits like Jumanji and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Black has proven himself to be a true family-film star, which he was able to bring to A Minecraft Movie. It’s a bit of a letdown for Berry, who was originally cast in the role but had to settle for a smaller part due to scheduling conflicts. However, the casting change definitely boosted the movie’s star power. Though Black may not have been the top choice to play Steve in A Minecraft Movie, one can’t deny that he works well in the role, given how he genuinely loves the game.
A Minecraft Movie is playing in theaters.
Source: Puck
