Jack Black - no longer the likeable yob

Jack Black's character in 'King Kong' isn't the usual likeable yob we've seen him portray countless times.

Comedian-turned actor Jack Black may be known for his over-the-top performances in movies such as School of Rock, and Shallow Hal. But in King Kong, Black, 36, cleans up his act, chops off his hair, and plays the straight man - Carl Denham, the maverick movie-maker who thinks Skull Island is just the setting for his latest epic.

"I couldn't rely on my old tricks. I can usually hide behind my clown faces, but not this time. This movie was definitely some uncharted territory for me and it was the right time for me to try it out. Actually, through the first few weeks of the shoot, I kept expecting to be fired. I was in a constant state of anxiety.

"I think Kong resonated so deeply with me, especially when I realised that he doesn't know what to do or how to behave. It's like, 'Oh my God! He's just like me!"'

Black's character isn't the usual likeable yob we've seen him portray countless times.

"When I knew I'd be playing a director, in the back of my mind I thought I'd model it on Peter [Jackson].

"That was my plan, my little secret. But as I started to flesh out the character I realised that basing it on Peter wouldn't work. The guy I play is really insecure and a huge egomaniac with some greed and some obsession issues. Pete has the obsession but he doesn't have a lot of those negative qualities that I needed to inject into this character."

So, with character traits that leaned towards egomania, who did Black turn to for inspiration?

"I inspired me. It's a 1930s version of me!"

He leans forward conspiratorially, "Actually, there's a little [Harvey] Weinstein in there, and a little Joel Silver. I shouldn't be telling you this! I'm never going to work again!" he laughs.

Black enjoyed his six months in New Zealand.

"There's a lot to like. Mainly the people are so sweet and lovely to work with but they do get to be a little crazy when it comes to driving.

"I found a lot of road rage," he deadpans. "I think New Zealanders hide the anger in their driving."