In a recent episode of Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, the host had a lively and entertaining conversation with actor Jack Black. The discussion revolved around Black’s latest film, “Borderlands,” which is based on a video game that he played nearly 20 years ago. Black described the unique visual style of the game, which he compared to a comic book come to life.
The conversation then shifted to Black’s role in “Borderlands” as the voice of a robot called Claptrap. He humorously explained that Claptrap is a helper robot with a bitter undertone, secretly hoping that everyone on the team dies. Black revealed that despite the character’s negative outlook, it was a blast to voice the role in a recording studio.
As the conversation continued, Black mentioned his experience with video games and his involvement with game developer Hideo Kojima’s studio in Japan. He discussed how he got scanned for a top-secret project and the excitement surrounding his Easter egg appearance in the game. Black also praised Kojima’s collaborations with renowned filmmakers, including Jordan Peele.
O’Brien and Black then delved into a discussion about the intersection of video games and movies. Black expressed his admiration for the storytelling in video games and how some games, like “Red Dead Redemption 2,” have a cinematic quality. He also mentioned the movie “Bandersnatch” from the TV show “Black Mirror,” which allowed viewers to choose their own adventure, blurring the line between movies and games.
The conversation ended with O’Brien acknowledging the new generation of gamers who admire Black and his energy. Black admitted his surprise at still being recognized by young people and emphasized the ever-changing landscape of entertainment. He remarked on the shift from traditional TV and movies to streaming platforms and video games, noting that it’s the content itself that ultimately matters.
Overall, the conversation between Conan O’Brien and Jack Black provided an entertaining and insightful look into the world of video games and their influence on popular culture. Fans of Black, O’Brien, and the gaming industry will undoubtedly find this episode of the talk show engaging and filled with humorous anecdotes.