For the role of Jonathan Barnavelt in Universal Pictures’ fantasy-adventure The House with a Clock in Its Walls, it was important to the filmmakers to find someone who would serve as the initially frightening relative to live with…who then becomes the really fun uncle to join you on an adventure.
For director Eli Roth, the role can be done justice only by comedy superstar Jack Black.
“Jack just encapsulates all of it,” says Roth. “It’s hard for me to think of anyone else in the role other than him. I’d seen him perform live in Tenacious D; I’ve seen all of his movies. You think of Jack, and you just laugh; he has so much personality, so much charm, and he’s so funny. But he also has such heart. In his films like School of Rock or Bernie, he’s an incredible dramatic actor. He has such humor, life, and such a soulful quality to him. It’s a dream come true to watch him create this role.”
