Jack Black has told BALANCE that he’s retiring. Yes, really.

The star of School Of Rock, the Jumanji films, High Fidelity, rock band Tenacious D and much, much more says he’s stepping away from acting to spend more time with his family.

It’s all the more reason to go see Jumanji: The Next Level on the big screen – because it could well be one of his last movies. In fact, it sounds like it could well be his penultimate outing.

“Well, I’ve got another Tenacious D record that I’d like to make,” says the 50-year-old. “Maybe one more movie. I’m kind of enjoying the idea of early retirement.” He pauses and adds, “Not so early. I’m 50.

“I’ve been saying for a long time that this is the last movie. We’ll see. I can’t really say what my next thing is because it’s too early; it’s a jinxer. I’ve got a couple of tricks up my sleeve. But not too many. I’m looking to wrap it up pretty soon. Ride off into the sunset.”

BALANCE asks Jack if it’s to spend more time with his wife and two sons. “Yeah. That is a big part of it,” he says. “I don’t like going away from Tanya and the boys.

“I spend too much time away from home. Maybe I’ll do a TV show here in town, so I can work the 9 to 5 and then get back home.

“We’ll see. I’m not a big five-year plan kind of guy though. I don’t really look down the road. I kind of take it day by day. And if something comes up, you know, obviously if [Quentin] Tarantino comes a-knocking, I’m gonna do that movie!

“Tarantino likes to talk about doing his last movie too. He says there’s only one movie left. It might be Star Trek. It might be who the hell knows?

“Maybe I’m going to pull a Tarantino and say, ‘Guys. I’ve done 99 movies. I’m going to do one more. Gonna go out on top!’”

While Jack is being funny, he is also being serious; we genuinely don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Still, don’t roll a tear just yet: Tenacious D are returning to play in the UK. “We have to,” Jack vows. “We will be back. 100 per cent.”

If Jack is quitting acting, does he also plan on hanging up the guitar? Will it mean no more D?!

“Look,” he says. “I’m going to star in the final Quentin Tarantino movie and then I’ll ride into the sunset. Me and Quentin, riding off! Quentin hasn’t offered me the role yet, but I’m pretty sure it’s coming.

“And then I’m going to ride off into the sunset directly to London. A Tenacious D concert the likes of which have never been seen. And at that point, backstage, I plan on seeing you there and our high 5 will be filmed on IMAX. It will be the high five heard around the world!”

Not many people can make you roar with laughter one moment, and then break your heart the next. But that’s why Jack Black is such a special talent. And if this really is goodbye – and it sounds like it is – then we will miss him so much.

Thank you for everything, Jack. You rock.

Jumanji: The Next Level is in cinemas from 13 December