Summary

• Jack Black's next animated video game role in Minecraft presents a new challenge as he transitions from his successful Bowser character.
• Minecraft marks Black's third video game movie appearance, requiring him to strike a balance between humor and sincerity in a protagonist role.
• While Black's new adaptations may not replicate the viral success of Bowser, his versatility as an actor will be put to the test in Minecraft.

Jack Black already has a Kung Fu Panda franchise to Ice Age and Shark Tale. 2023 saw him making his debut as the villain Bowser in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which gave Black the opportunity to embrace his sillier side — something that made his take on the character an instant hit.

There's no word on whether Black could return as The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 — a sequel hasn't officially been green-lit — but the actor already has another animated video game adaptation lined up. It will serve as the perfect replacement for Black's Super Mario Bros. Movie role. There's only one problem: Black's new character is much different than Bowser, presenting a new challenge for the actor.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is currently available to stream on Netflix.

Jack Black Voicing Minecraft's Protagonist Is The Reverse Of His Genius Bowser Role

Jack Black will play the main character of the Minecraft movie, marking the third popular video game movie the actor has appeared in after The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Borderlands. Based on the beloved sandbox game, Minecraft: The Movie will see Black starring alongside Jason Momoa. It's not clear what their characters will be up to in the adaptation, but Black portraying Minecraft's lead already marks a huge change of pace from his time as Bowser.

While Black was able to take a more ridiculous approach to Bowser, that's less possible with a protagonist. Bowser's role as a villain made it easy for Black to get silly with the part, just like Jim Carrey does with Sonic the Hedgehog's Dr. Robotnik. A main character will require more sincerity from Black, even if the Minecraft movie infuses humor into its story. Fans must relate to and root for the film's lead, so Black will need to strike a balance between his signature humor and a more serious tone.

Jack Black's New Video Game Adaptations Will Struggle To Repeat His Bowser Success

Although Black has the range to capture a variety of characters on-screen, his new video game adaptations will likely struggle to replicate his success as Bowser. For one, while Borderlands and Minecraft are both incredibly popular, neither has the widespread recognition of Super Mario Bros. Black's characters are also very different than Bowser in both films, meaning he won't be able to bring as much comedy to the role — or deliver so many viral moments. The Super Mario Bros. Movie also allowed Black to show off his singing skills, something the other adaptations aren't likely to do.