Popular actor Jack Black will voice the zany, comedic robot Claptrap in Eli Roth’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Gearbox Software’s hit looter-shooter franchise, Borderlands. The news was reported by Deadline, Variety, and various other entertainment outlets, which noted that Black would be joining an A-list cast that already included the likes of Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Hart, and Cate Blanchett. This will actually serve as a reunion of sorts for Roth, Black, and Blanchett, as the three had previously collaborated for 2018 family comedy The House With a Clock in Its Walls.
“I am so excited to reunite with Jack, this time in the recording booth,” Roth said. “Claptrap is the funniest character in the game, and Jack is perfect to bring him to the big screen.”
“We couldn’t have been more in sync with our filmmakers and casting executives as we approached this role,” said Nathan Kahane, president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “Everyone who’s ever played the game knows Jack is perfect for this part. We’re thrilled he will add his endless comic energy and voice to our film — he’ll bring so much to the movie.”
Jim Foronda, Claptrap’s voice actor for Borderlands 3, tweeted that the announcement was a “crushing disappointment” for him because he’d imagined himself having a part in the movie for years. Still, he congratulated Black on winning the role and told him to take good care of the iconic character.
I can't lie— It's a crushing disappointment. I'd thought about possibly being in the movie for years.
— Jim Foronda (@JimForonda) February 11, 2021
I love Borderlands. I love Claptrap. It's absolute joy to be his voice for the games.
Congratulations, @jackblack, I know you must love him too. Please take good care of him.