As a 10-year-old, he saw Aliens and got so scared that nightmares assailed him for a month. At 45 now, it’s Jack Black’s turn to stitch up chilling adventure thriller Goosebumps. Here's what he has to say about it
Why did you want to make this movieIJ
I read the script and thought it was funny and scary in right amounts. There's exhilaration around being scared. I can see it in my kids. I wouldn't let them watch The Shining, though! I wanted to make this film because it's scary, but it's not too scary.
What can you recall of your meeting with Rl StineIJ
I met Stine in an attic of an old building in New York City. He loved the script. In the meeting it was just me, Rob letterman, some executives and Slappy, the doll, who just kept sitting in a chair staring at us in a creepy way.
How challenging was it to play this characterIJ
It felt natural to me, maybe because I have entered a dark period of my life (laughs). I am able to play characters of depth, darkness & intimidation.
Who are your favourite movie monstersIJ
I like your Frankensteins, Draculas and Werewolves. Darth Vader was huge for me.
What scary movies do you watch with your kidsIJ
Mostly old movies because they aren't really scary, like the original Frankenstein. All of those black & white ones are open season, except for Psycho! That one is too much; Hitchcock was tapping into something very hairy and scary.
Which books influenced you while growing upIJ
The first book I enjoyed was a children science fiction A Wrinkle In Time. I also loved Kurt Vonnegut because he had a great sense of existential crisis. I loved Edgar Allen Poe too.
Have you tried writing scary children's storiesIJ
No. I wrote a screenplay, The Pick of Destiny. That is the only real thing I have ever written. There is no Rl Stine in me but I wish I were a great writer.
Do you get scared easilyIJ
Unfortunately, yes. If a hurricane happens, I would be the first out of this room. My adrenaline kicks in but it doesn't translate into the heroics.
What scares you the most, the real world or imaginationIJ
Global warming but many would say that is just in my head. I am pretty sure it is not.
Did you help the young cast on GoosebumpsIJ
We got lucky because we got a great cast. I didn't have to do anything to coach them. They knew what to do and that chemistry they had translated to great performances.