Jack Black plays dark role in youth horror film, 'Goosebumps'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- For much of his career, actor Jack Black has been the guy who makes everyone laugh, but he's heading to the "dark side" in his newest film, "Goosebumps."

Jack Black takes on the role of author R.L. Stine in the youth horror flick, and Black thinks fans will enjoy it because there's also some comic relief.

"That's the magic ingredient," he said. "The mixture of funny and scary that makes this movie work and there are not many movies like that. You think of "Ghostbusters," maybe "Goonies," movies that have that sweet combination."

R.L. Stine has written more than 60 "Goosebumps" titles and has sold a whopping 400 million books, which meant the filmmakers had a lot of characters from which to choose.

As for the monster fear factor, Slappy the Dummy, a well-known villain in the franchise, will play the part of ultimate evil.

"If you start at "Goosebumps," any other movie will disappoint because I'm the most terrifying thing to ever exist," said the puppet in an interview with KABC-TV.

"Goosebumps" is in theaters on Friday.