When the first teaser for A Minecraft Movie dropped, the internet basically had a collective meltdown. People were dissecting every frame of the blocky trees and that weirdly realistic pink sheep, but the real talk was all about the cast of minecraft movie. It’s a bizarre mix of A-list action stars and cult comedy legends that, on paper, sounds like a fever dream. You’ve got Aquaman himself alongside the guy from School of Rock, and for some reason, Jennifer Coolidge is there too.
It’s weird. Honestly, it’s supposed to be.
Director Jared Hess—the mastermind behind Napoleon Dynamite—is leanings hard into the "misfit" energy. This isn't just a movie about a guy hitting trees with a wooden pickaxe for two hours. It’s a story about four real-world people who get sucked into the Overworld and have to deal with the fact that everything is a cube.
Who are the actual stars in the cast of minecraft movie?
The lineup is surprisingly deep. We aren't just looking at one or two big names carrying the whole thing on their backs.
Jack Black as Steve
This was the big reveal. Jack Black is playing Steve, the legendary, blue-shirt-wearing protagonist of the game. But this isn't the silent, blank-slate Steve you play as. In the film, he’s an "expert crafter" who has been stuck in the Overworld since the '80s. He's built his own paradise and has a bit of a "lost in the woods" vibe. Jack Black actually spent months playing the game to prepare, which is hilarious to imagine. He’s bringing that high-energy, slightly manic comedy style that worked so well in Jumanji.
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Jason Momoa as Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison
This is arguably the most surprising part of the cast of minecraft movie. Jason Momoa, usually known for being the toughest guy in the room, is playing a former 1980s video game champion who’s fallen on hard times. He wears a fringed pink leather jacket and fingerless gloves. He’s essentially a washed-up celebrity who has to find his mojo again in a world made of blocks. It’s a total 180 from his usual roles, and honestly, he seems to be having more fun here than he did in the entire last Aquaman press tour.
The Rest of the Misfits
The "four misfits" at the center of the story are rounded out by a really talented group of actors:
- Emma Myers as Natalie: You probably recognize her as the werewolf bestie from Wednesday. She plays a young woman who’s put her life on hold to look after her brother.
- Danielle Brooks as Dawn: She was incredible in The Color Purple and Orange Is the New Black. Here, she’s a realtor with a bunch of side hustles—including a mobile petting zoo—who brings the common sense to the group.
- Sebastian Hansen as Henry: He’s the younger brother and the one who arguably feels the most out of place in the real world before they get sucked into the game.
The Supporting Players and Voice Cast
Beyond the core five, there are some heavy hitters in the background. Jennifer Coolidge plays Vice Principal Marlene, and if you know her work from The White Lotus, you know she’s going to steal every scene she's in. There's even a plot point about her going on a date with a Minecraft Villager who ends up in the real world.
There's also Jemaine Clement and Kate McKinnon. While their exact roles were kept under wraps during early production, we now know Clement pulls double duty as Daryl and the voice of Bruce.
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One of the coolest "what if" stories about the cast of minecraft movie involves Matt Berry. The What We Do in the Shadows star was actually the original choice to play Steve! Because of scheduling conflicts with his show's final season, he had to step down, and Jack Black took the role. Berry still makes a hilarious cameo as the voice of "Nitwit," a villager who finally finds his voice.
Why the Casting Choices Matter for Fans
There was a lot of skepticism early on. Fans wanted a 100% animated movie that looked exactly like the game. Instead, we got a live-action hybrid. But here's the thing: by casting people like Danielle Brooks and Jason Momoa, the filmmakers are leaning into the "creative" aspect of Minecraft.
The game is about making something out of nothing. These characters are all struggling with "ordinary problems" in the real world—dead-end jobs, grief, feeling like they don't fit in. The Overworld becomes a place where their specific, quirky skills actually matter. It’s a meta-commentary on the game itself. You aren't just a character; you’re a person with a story who happens to be in this world.
Surprising Cameos and Easter Eggs
If you’re a veteran of the Minecraft YouTube scene, keep your eyes peeled. The production team made a point to include nods to the community that kept the game alive for over a decade.
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- Technoblade: There is a sweet, subtle nod to the late content creator that long-time fans will definitely spot.
- YouTuber Cameos: Keep an eye out for Jessica "Aphmau" Bravura and Daniel "DanTDM" Middleton, who appear as auctioneers.
- The Creators: Even Jens "Jeb" Bergensten, one of the primary faces of Mojang, has a small role as a waiter.
Making Sense of the Vision
It’s easy to look at this cast and think it’s just a random assortment of famous people. But look at Jared Hess’s filmography. He specializes in movies about weirdos who find their tribe. Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, Gentlemen Broncos—they all celebrate the people on the fringes.
That’s exactly what the cast of minecraft movie represents. It’s a group of people who don't belong, forced into a world where they have to build something together. It’s goofy, sure. The turquoise blouses and tater tot pizzas are bizarre. But at its heart, it’s trying to capture the feeling of starting a new server with your friends for the first time.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Credits: Don't leave as soon as the screen goes black. The Matt Berry cameo as the Nitwit villager is a mid-credits scene you don't want to miss.
- Look for Practical Sets: While the movie uses a lot of "CGI-heavy" environments, many of the village scenes were built as real, physical sets. You can really see the texture in those scenes compared to the more fantastical biomes.
- Follow the Stars: If you want more behind-the-scenes content, Jack Black and Jason Momoa have been posting tons of videos from the New Zealand set on their social media. It gives a great look at the "bromance" that formed between the two leads.
The movie is a wild ride. It’s not the Minecraft movie everyone expected, but with this cast, it’s definitely the most interesting version we could have gotten.
Next Steps
- Check Local Showtimes: The film hit theaters in early April 2025, so check if it's still playing near you or if it has moved to digital platforms.
- Revisit the Classics: If you loved Jack Black's energy, go back and watch Nacho Libre (also directed by Jared Hess) to see where this specific brand of comedy started.
- Explore the Lore: Dive into the official "Minecraft Basics for Dummies" book that Jack Black was spotted reading to see if you can find the same tips Steve uses in the film.