Jack Black wants Red Dead Redemption movie role, pleads with Rockstar founders
Jack Black is campaigning hard for a Red Dead movie role, even pitching himself as a real historical figure named Jack Black for RDR3. But Rockstar's founders have zero interest in Hollywood adaptations.
According to an interview with Jack Black by Polygon, the actor has publicly expressed his strong desire to star in a Red Dead Redemption movie adaptation — and he's got a specific role in mind for Red Dead Redemption 3. During a press event, Black made a direct appeal to Rockstar Games' founders, though the company has historically opposed turning their games into films.
Key Takeaways
- Jack Black publicly expressed desire to star in a Red Dead Redemption movie adaptation during a press event.
- Rockstar Games co-founders the Houser brothers have historically shown zero interest in game-to-movie adaptations.
- Black suggests playing historical figure Jack Black, who wrote 'You Can't Win', in Red Dead Redemption 3.
- The actor made a direct appeal to Rockstar founders saying 'Hey Housers? Dan, Sam, I'm waiting for your call.'
What Jack Black actually said about Red Dead
Black didn't mince words about his franchise aspirations. "It's no secret that I love Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2," he told Polygon, "but I think those guys are on record — the Houser brothers — as having zero interest in turning any of their games into movies."
He acknowledged the irony of the situation, noting that Rockstar's games are particularly suited for cinema. "Which is a shame, because of all the video games out there, theirs are the most cinematic. It would be, like, too easy to make them into great movies."
Then came the direct appeal: "Hey Housers? Dan, Sam, I'm waiting for your call."
His Red Dead Redemption 3 pitch is surprisingly clever
Black has thought this through beyond just wanting a movie role. He's identified a specific character for a potential Red Dead Redemption sequel.
"Red Dead Redemption 2 takes place around the turn of the century, right?" Black explained. "There was a character around that time named Jack Black, who wrote an autobiography called 'You Can't Win'. I would kinda like to play Jack Black in Red Dead Redemption 3."
It's a genuinely clever pitch — playing a historical figure who shares his name would be both meta and grounded in the game's period setting. The real Jack Black was a burglar-turned-author whose autobiography influenced writers like William S. Burroughs.
Why Rockstar probably won't bite
The Houser brothers — Dan and Sam — co-founded Rockstar Games and have been famously resistant to Hollywood adaptations. While Dan Houser left the company in 2020, Sam Houser remains as president and likely still holds similar views about protecting their interactive properties.
Rockstar has built its reputation on crafting narrative experiences specifically for gaming. Their stance isn't unusual — many game developers worry that film adaptations dilute their brand or misrepresent their vision.
With Grand Theft Auto 6 consuming most of Rockstar's current focus, a Red Dead movie seems even less likely in the near term.
Black's track record with game adaptations
The actor has become something of a video game movie specialist. He voiced Bowser in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, starred in Borderlands adaptation, and has A Minecraft Movie on the way.
His recent Super Mario Movie 3 hints suggest he's committed to this particular career lane. Whether that track record helps or hurts his Rockstar pitch is debatable — game adaptations have a mixed Hollywood history.
Still, Black's genuine enthusiasm for the Red Dead franchise comes through clearly. This isn't just another paycheck pursuit; he's actually played and loved these games.
What this means for Red Dead fans
Don't hold your breath for a Red Dead Redemption movie announcement. Rockstar's focus remains on game development, and their historical stance on adaptations hasn't shifted publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jack Black want to be in a Red Dead Redemption movie?
Yes, Jack Black publicly expressed his strong desire to star in a Red Dead Redemption movie adaptation during a press event interview with Polygon.
Does Rockstar Games plan a Red Dead Redemption movie?
No official plans exist. Rockstar's co-founders, the Houser brothers, have historically stated they have zero interest in turning their games into movies.
What role does Jack Black want in Red Dead Redemption 3?
Jack Black wants to play a historical character also named Jack Black, who wrote an autobiography called 'You Can't Win' around the turn of the century.
Has Jack Black been in other video game movies?
Yes, Jack Black voiced Bowser in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, starred in Borderlands, and has A Minecraft Movie in development.
Written by
Subscribe to our newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates and news
Member discussion