Jack Black Discusses Christmas-Movie Rivalry and Addresses 'White Lotus' Rumors in Vanity Fair Interview

Written by Katey Rich

The holidays are a busy time for Jack Black, not only because of promotion for his recent recognition from the Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards as the performer and co-writer of the Super Mario Bros. Movie song “Peaches,” but also due to the ever-growing popularity of his 2006 film, The Holiday. Black has found himself participating in various facets of awards season, including podcasts, virtual press conferences, and plenty of discussions about the famous 90-second song that quickly gained viral attention.

Alongside his role in the current awards season, Black’s involvement in The Holiday continues to keep him busy each December. The romantic comedy, directed by Nancy Meyers, is yet another Christmas film that has gradually become a must-watch during the holidays. “It’s become a staple of Christmastime, which I love,” said Black. He greatly values the meticulousness of Meyer's approach to filmmaking, particularly her focus on small details, which he believes contributes significantly to the film's appeal to its audience.

In The Holiday, Black portrays a film composer, granting him the opportunity to learn from Hans Zimmer, who composed the film's score. Black cites Zimmer’s collaborative approach to composing as a valuable takeaway from his time shadowing the renowned composer. He claims that it expanded his understanding of the power of collective creativity and how it can influence his own work.

Though being part of a holiday film brings annual attention, a hierarchy appears to exist in holiday film popularity. Black humorously mentions his Tenacious D partner, Kyle Gass, often reminding him of his role in the even more popular film, Elf. However, Black remains optimistic and jokingly shares his ideas for a possible sequel to The Holiday with Nancy Meyers. As of yet, there are no plans for Holiday 2.

Despite the buzz surrounding The Holidays and the Super Mario Bros. Movie song, Black is also busy with several other projects. He’s currently celebrating an Emmy win for his voice acting in a Kung Fu Panda animated series, as well as working with Tenacious D. However, he dispels rumors of a potential reunion with Mike White, his School of Rock and Orange County collaborator, for the upcoming third season of The White Lotus.