Earlier this week, during a casual meetup with friends, discussions about A Minecraft Movie ensued. I shared my mixed feelings regarding the film and how, truthfully, my enthusiasm for Jack Black’s performance had waned.

Curiously, my friends pressed me for whom I would have cast in that role instead, and I was at a loss until I learned that Matt Berry was supposedly the initial choice to portray Steve. That casting would have been a fantastic decision!

According to Puck, Berry, celebrated for his portrayal as Laszlo Cravensworth in the vampire comedy What We Do in the Shadows, was initially set to play Steve in A Minecraft Movie. However, due to scheduling conflicts, that plan fell through, as he was already engrossed in filming the final season of his vampire series.

Despite not landing the role of Steve, Matt Berry does make a brief appearance in A Minecraft Movie, stealing the limelight in his cameo, even if it was only for a short while.

Jack Black may not have been my first choice for the role, but I can’t deny that he fits the character reasonably well, especially given his evident passion for the game.

One major talking point from the film’s promotion was Black’s commitment to Minecraft during filming, reportedly growing obsessed with lapis lazuli. He was frequently seen mining during breaks: “He was in his trailer whenever he had a moment—just immersed in the game,” shared the director, highlighting his passion for the role.

While it’s sad that we can’t witness Matt Berry’s unique takes on Minecraft phrases, one can only dream of the parallel universe where he donned the role of Steve, showcasing his remarkable comedic skills.