Emma Myers’ wanderlust transcends not just our world but even our reality. As she eloquently shares, “I am a fantasy lover — it’s my favorite genre.” Myers finds immense joy in setting aside her phone to immerse herself in worlds that exist only in imagination. “It’s what I grew up reading; it’s what I grew up watching. There’s just something so magical about it,” she reflects.
On a late February afternoon, we enjoy matcha lattes at a quaint coffee shop in Marietta, Georgia, a location Myers herself recommended. Nestled in a picturesque neighborhood, the café resembles a scene from a storybook, featuring a towering wooden bookcase filled with hardcovers and a patio adorned with lush greenery. The enchanting atmosphere is a perfect retreat for Myers, whose captivating presence shines through in her roles.
Emma Myers shot to stardom in 2022 with her breakout role as Enid Sinclair in the hit Netflix series “Wednesday.” Following this success, she took on the role of an English teen detective in “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.” Now, she makes her silver screen debut in the highly anticipated film “A Minecraft Movie,” an adaptation of the groundbreaking three-dimensional building game that has captivated millions.
Those who have collaborated with Myers often describe her as sweet, shy, humble, and genuine, with a “quiet strength” noted by director Tim Burton. Arriving early for our interview, I find that she has already secured a cozy spot in the café. Dressed casually in a long-sleeved green top, light blue jeans, and shearling ankle boots, Myers radiates warmth and charisma as she greets me.
Myers is embarking on her first global press tour for “A Minecraft Movie,” which releases on April 4. In this adventure, she portrays Natalie, a savvy young adult thrust into the Overworld after becoming the legal guardian of her little brother, Henry, following their mother’s death. “She is trying to be a sister, but also trying to be a parent,” Myers explains. “And she gets pulled into the Overworld with this cast of crazy characters.” While not the voice of reason, her character embodies a serious demeanor amid the film’s chaos.
At just 23 years old, Myers has a deep-rooted passion for the Minecraft game, which she enjoyed during her childhood. “You can build what you want — there’s no limitations,” she recalls, reminiscing about constructing theme parks for sheep and creating escape rooms with friends. Her connection to the game runs deep; she even participated in contests hosted by popular gaming YouTuber Stampy Cat.
Interestingly, there was no formal audition process for “A Minecraft Movie.” Instead, director Jared Hess and the producers recognized Myers from her roles in “Wednesday” and the fantasy-comedy film “Family Switch.” She received a life-changing call from her manager about the project, which she initially thought was called “The Craft Mine.” “I played this game when I was a kid!” she recalls, excitement evident in her voice.
After meeting with producer Cale Boyter and sending a video to Hess, Myers was invited to New Zealand to join the cast. “That’s such a cool part about this job,” she reflects. “Sometimes you have no idea what you’re doing, and then all of a sudden, you get called to do something that changes your life just like that.”
“A Minecraft Movie” features a blend of meticulously crafted practical designs, from blocky outdoor landscapes to cuboid watermelons, alongside stunning computer-generated elements. Although the cast performed against green screens, Myers described how they used mock-ups and reference images to visualize the Overworld. “Sometimes it’s hard when you’re acting against a tennis ball and you don’t know what something looks like,” she explains, but her familiarity with the game made it easier for her to picture the iconic creatures.
The film required a considerable amount of stunt work, with Myers performing roughly 90% of her action sequences. “I’ve done stunts before, but this was the first time I got to use a sword and a shovel,” she shares. “It was a challenge, but a good challenge. It was really satisfying to be able to do your own stuff and be like, ‘That’s me.’”
The journey to adapt “Minecraft” for the big screen has been a long one, first announced in 2014 following Microsoft’s acquisition of Mojang Studios. Despite the initial excitement, the project faced years of director changes and script rewrites before finally getting underway in 2022. “I feel like if it would satisfy me as a kid who played, then it’ll satisfy others,” Myers states, acknowledging the pressure to meet fan expectations after such a tumultuous development process.
Myers’ love for fantasy extends beyond video games; she was raised in Orlando, Florida, by two lawyers who homeschooled her and her siblings. Her mother’s hands-on approach to education fostered Myers’ creativity, leading her to pursue acting at a young age. “I really think it helped me,” she says of her homeschooling experience. “I quite loved being homeschooled because I had so much freedom.”
Myers took a hiatus from acting at the age of 12, allowing her to experience life as a teenager before returning to the craft. She later moved to Atlanta, drawn by its vibrant entertainment scene, where she landed roles in various television shows and films. However, it was her portrayal of Enid Sinclair in “Wednesday” that garnered her widespread recognition.
During her time on the series, Myers underwent extensive stunt training, preparing her for the physical demands of her role. “There’s a Lucille Ball element to her as well,” says co-showrunner Miles Millar, praising Myers’ unique blend of physical comedy and emotional depth.
After wrapping “A Minecraft Movie,” Myers immediately began filming “Wednesday” Season 2, where she reprises her role as Enid. “It was my first time returning to a character,” she shares, excitement mixed with nervousness about living up to her previous performance. “But when we got to the table read, it immediately came back, like nothing had changed.”
As she navigates her evolving career, Myers remains grounded, grateful for the support she receives from her family and fans. “It’s so wild to then receive that sort of love back that I had put into other things,” she reflects, embracing her journey as an actress and the incredible opportunities that lie ahead.
With a busy schedule ahead, including production for “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” Season 2 and the anticipated release of “Wednesday” Season 2, Myers is excited about the future. “I do have plans, but I’m not sure I can share,” she teases, embodying the playfulness of her character Enid.
As Emma Myers continues to explore new roles and genres, she remains committed to her passion for storytelling and the enchanting worlds of fantasy. Her journey is a testament to the magic of dreams and the power of creativity, inspiring both her fans and fellow artists alike.
