Jack Black‘s next project is going to be another one for the kids. The actor’s last major studio film was the awful GULLIVER’S TRAVELS and now he may be re-uniting with the director of the movie, Rob Letterman, for GOOSEBUMPS.
The Wrap reports the actor is in negotiations, but it sounds more than likely that this is going to happen. The film will be inspired by the R.L. Stine series of horror stories for pre-teens. I remember reading Stine’s FEAR STREET books when I was younger but the GOOSEBUMPS were after I left that demographic. The television series was popular as well, frightening kids who didn’t have the balls to watch THE EVIL DEAD or THE EXORCIST.
Here’s the outline for the GOOSEBUMPS plot:
Black would play a Stine-like author whose scary characters literally leap off the page, forcing him to hide from his own creepy creations.
Black has only made two watchable “kid’s movies” in NACHO LIBRE and SCHOOL OF ROCK. GULLIVER’S TRAVELS and his contribution to SHARK TALE (also directed by Rob Letterman) are bordering on Adam Sandler levels of awfulness. If GOOSEBUMPS is made properly it could be watchable but I am not holding my breath.
Until we hear anything concrete, I would go ahead and assume this is going to happen. Maybe one day we will get another TENACIOUS D movie or something utilizing Jack Black‘s full potential.