Jack Black’s 2025 Super Mario Bros Replacement Faces A New Challenge After Bowser’s Success

Jack Black already has a Super Mario Bros. Movie replacement set for 2025, but the upcoming project presents a new challenge after the actor’s Bowser success. Black has lent his voice to a number of animated movies over the years, from the 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 Bowser for 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.

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

Jack Black will play the main character of the upcoming 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 upcoming 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.