The much-anticipated Minecraft Movie may be dominating the box office in 2025, but fans are buzzing over what could have been.
According to a report by Puck, British comedy star Matt Berry was originally cast in the lead role of Steve before scheduling issues forced him to exit the project. His departure, reportedly due to conflicts caused by the 2023 Hollywood actors’ strike, left the door open for Jack Black to take the role instead.
Berry, known for his roles in Toast of London and What We Do in the Shadows, was seen by many fans as a perfect fit for the quirky, blocky world of Minecraft. His unique voice and comedic flair had many imagining what the movie could’ve been—especially when it comes to the delivery of iconic Minecraft phrases like “chicken jockey.”
Although A Minecraft Movie has achieved massive commercial success since its April 4 premiere, reviews haven’t been as kind. Critics have been particularly harsh on Jack Black’s portrayal of Steve, with The Independent reporting that his performance was likened to “a desperate clown at an under-attended children’s party.”
Fans on social media were quick to express their disappointment. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “I’m definitely not saying ‘chicken jockey’ in the voice of Matt Berry right now…” Another joked, “Torn between ‘Matt Berry’s too good for that’ and ‘I want to hear him say chicken jockey.’” The idea of Berry voicing Steve in the Minecraft universe clearly sparked imaginations.
“Laughing really hard imagining Matt Berry saying ‘chicken jockey,’ so maybe it would’ve been a good movie if this happened,” one fan shared, while another added, “Hearing ‘chicken jockey’ come out of Matt Berry’s mouth would’ve absolutely grilled me—HELLO???”
Despite the casting change, A Minecraft Movie still features an impressive ensemble including Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Coolidge, and Emma Myers. However, with Minecraft fans deeply connected to the game’s lore and humor, the loss of Matt Berry remains a sore point. For many, the idea of him bringing the Minecraft world to life will always be a tantalizing “what if.”