Jack Black looks set to take on another iconic video game role based on a new report by Deadline.
According to the January 2 report, Black is joining the cast of the Minecraft Movie to play the role of Steve — the franchise's blocky lead. The current cast includes Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, and Sebastian Eugene Hansen, with Jason Momoa also reported to have been in talks for a role.
Assuming the report is accurate, it'll be an interesting reversal for Black, who stole the show as Bowser in the Super Mario Bros. Movie. Taking on the role of Steve would see him go from villain to hero, though he's apt to bring his customary manic energy to whatever role he takes on.
Aside from both being played by Black, Bowser and Steve have another connection within video games: they both appeared in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, though Steve has proven a little too powerful for the tastes of some players.
The potential casting news is another step forward for the Minecraft movie, which has been in development since at least 2014. Filming on the movie began in December 2023. Jared Hess, who led Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre, is the director.
The Minecraft Movie follows the recent spate of video game-related film and TV projects, which includes the Mario Movie, The Last of Us, Fallout and more. It's currently slated to release on April 4, 2025.
For more, check out the biggest movies of 2024, from Dune: Part Two to Kung Fu Panda 4, which also stars Black.
Kat Bailey is IGN's News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
