Fans of the popular video game franchise Minecraft were recently taken aback by the revelation that Jack Black was not the original choice for the lead role in the highly anticipated film adaptation, A Minecraft Movie. Instead, British actor Matt Berry, known for his standout performances in shows like Toast of London and What We Do in the Shadows, was slated to portray the character Steve. However, due to scheduling conflicts stemming from the SAG-AFTRA strikes last July, Berry had to bow out of the project, leaving Black to step in.
According to reports from Puck, Berry's absence has sparked a wave of speculation and disappointment among fans, many of whom believe the film could have been significantly better had Berry taken on the role. "Matt Berry was originally going to play Steve in the 'Minecraft' movie but couldn’t due to scheduling conflicts after the strikes," a tweet from DiscussingFilm noted. Berry ultimately appeared in the film, albeit in a smaller role as a villager in a post-credits scene.
The film, which also stars Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, and Jennifer Coolidge, has garnered mixed reviews since its release. Critics have not held back, with The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey describing Black's performance as that of "a desperate clown at an under-attended children’s party." Despite this, the film has made a notable impact at the box office, grossing $323 million globally and ranking as the tenth highest-grossing video game movie adaptation to date. In contrast, The Super Mario Bros. Movie remains the top earner in the genre, raking in an impressive $1.3 billion.
Social media has been abuzz with discussions about what could have been if Berry had taken the lead role. Fans have expressed a mix of disappointment and intrigue, with many stating they feel "robbed" of the opportunity to hear Berry deliver iconic lines from the game, such as the popular phrase "chicken jockey." One user shared, "Torn between 'Matt Berry's too good for that' and 'I want to hear him say chicken jockey.'" Another chimed in, "Hearing 'chicken jockey' come out of Matt Berry’s mouth would’ve absolutely grilled me HELLO???"
As the excitement surrounding the film continues, a unique trend has emerged among viewers. Footage from various screenings shows audiences throwing food and popcorn, shouting, and generally creating a raucous atmosphere whenever Black’s character confronts a cuboid Minecraft chicken in a boxing ring. The line "Chicken jockey," exclaimed by Black's character, has become a rallying cry among fans, leading to a wave of enthusiastic participation during screenings.
In response to this fervor, Cineworld has announced it will host special "Chicken Jockey Screenings" on Sunday, April 13, 2025. The cinema chain is encouraging fans to dress up for the event and to engage actively with the film, promoting a lively atmosphere where whooping, yelling, and clapping will be welcomed. This initiative aims to capitalize on the film's buzz and the unique experiences fans have been sharing online.
Despite the mixed reviews, the Minecraft Movie has certainly made its mark, with audiences eager to experience the film in a communal setting. The excitement surrounding the screenings reflects the strong connection fans have with the franchise and their desire to engage with the material in an interactive way.
As for Berry, while he may not have taken the lead role, his presence in the film as a villager has not gone unnoticed. Fans have speculated about how his distinctive vocal style would have influenced the film's tone and humor. One fan mused, "Honestly, this makes Jack Black's line deliveries make a lot more sense. I can imagine Matt Berry saying 'I... am Steve' in his voice; I feel like Jack Black was going for that."
With the film continuing to perform well at the box office and the enthusiastic reactions from fans, it seems that A Minecraft Movie has sparked a conversation that goes beyond its critical reception. It has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right, one that showcases the passionate community surrounding the Minecraft franchise.
As the dust settles on the film's opening weekend, many are left wondering about the future of video game adaptations in Hollywood. Will they continue to capture the hearts of fans, or will they fall short of expectations? Only time will tell, but for now, the Minecraft Movie has certainly made waves in the entertainment landscape, leaving audiences both entertained and yearning for what could have been.
