Jack Black Wants To Star In New Yakuza Video Game Adaptation

The comedy star is pitching himself for a role in Sega's long-running crime drama franchise.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:37pm

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An abstract close-up image featuring shattered glass and cracked leather textures, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to convey the gritty yet stylized aesthetic of the Yakuza video game series.Jack Black's interest in a Yakuza adaptation could bring the franchise's signature blend of crime drama and absurdist humor to the big screen.Anaconda Today

In a recent interview, actor Jack Black expressed interest in starring in a live-action adaptation of Sega's popular Yakuza video game series. Black said he would love to take on a role in the franchise, which blends gritty crime drama with absurdist humor, noting that his background in both comedies and blockbusters could make him a good fit.

Why it matters

The Yakuza games have a dedicated fanbase and have seen previous attempts at live-action adaptations, but those efforts have struggled to capture the unique tone of the source material. Black's involvement could help a new adaptation better balance the franchise's signature mix of action and comedy.

The details

Black revealed his interest in the Yakuza franchise while promoting his upcoming role in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. He told ScreenRant's Ash Crossan that he would "throw his hat in the ring" for a part, joking that he doesn't know if there are any "portly American" roles available. This comes as Sega has previously asked fans which celebrities they would like to see in future Yakuza games.

  • In March 2026, Jack Black discussed his interest in a Yakuza adaptation during an interview.

The players

Jack Black

An American actor, comedian, musician, and producer known for his roles in films like School of Rock, Tropic Thunder, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

Sega

A Japanese multinational video game and digital entertainment company that developed and published the long-running Yakuza video game franchise.

Ash Crossan

A ScreenRant journalist who interviewed Jack Black about his interest in a Yakuza adaptation.

Donald Glover

An American actor, writer, producer, director, musician, and comedian who co-starred with Jack Black in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

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What they’re saying

“So I'm going to throw my hat in that ring. I don't know if there [are] any parts for me, like a portly American, but talk to me. Sega, give me a jingle.”

— Jack Black, Actor

“My kids are really into Wings of Fire. Saga also. Have you ever read Saga?”

— Donald Glover, Actor

“But don't say Sega. Because we'll get in trouble.”

— Jack Black, Actor

What’s next

Sega has not yet announced any plans for a new Yakuza live-action adaptation, but Black's interest and the franchise's existing fanbase could potentially lead to the development of a new project.

The takeaway

Jack Black's enthusiasm for a Yakuza adaptation highlights the potential for a new take on the franchise that could better balance its signature blend of crime drama and absurdist humor, drawing on the actor's experience in both comedic and blockbuster roles.