Jack Black Incredibles regret is now a poignant moment in the actor’s long career, as he recently reflected on declining the chance to voice a major Pixar villain in The Incredibles. During a recent interview, Black explained that this decision has remained one of his top professional missteps, offering insight into the creative process behind animated film casting.
Turning Down Syndrome in The Incredibles
Jack Black recounted that he was approached to voice Syndrome, the main antagonist in Pixar’s The Incredibles, but ultimately chose to walk away from the opportunity. At the time, he questioned the direction of the character and requested changes to the script.
“I was offered, and I do regret it, saying no… I was offered Syndrome in that fantastic movie The Incredibles — one of my favorites of all time, by the way,”
Jack Black, Actor/Musician
Black admitted that his uncertainty stemmed from unfamiliarity with Brad Bird, the film’s director. Bird, known then mostly for The Iron Giant, had not yet achieved widespread fame. Black challenged the character’s depth and wanted a more nuanced villain. However, Bird declined to alter the role, and the part was recast.
“And I said no because I was like, ‘Uhhh, [director] Brad Bird? Never heard of him!’ [I said to him], ‘This character that you’re offering me is like a villain, but he’s kinda one-dimensional. I’m interested but I’d like to see a rewrite. Will you add some dimensions to this character?’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, you’re done,’”
Jack Black, Actor/Musician
Lessons Learned After the Film’s Success
After seeing The Incredibles achieve critical and commercial acclaim, Jack Black recognized the consequences of his decision. The movie went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and remains a celebrated original film from Pixar. Jason Lee, who ended up voicing Syndrome, delivered a memorable performance that contributed to the film’s lasting popularity.
“I learned a valuable lesson because when that movie came out, it was one of the best movies ever made,”
Jack Black, Actor/Musician
“I was like, ‘Why was I being so difficult?’”
Jack Black, Actor/Musician
Black’s Continued Success in Animation
Despite missing out on The Incredibles, Jack Black’s animation career flourished. He found immense success as Po in DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda series, establishing himself as a major voice actor. More recently, Black voiced Bowser in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which performed tremendously at the global box office. He is set to reprise Bowser in the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, scheduled for release on April 3.
A Look Back and Moving Forward
Reflecting on his Jack Black Incredibles regret, the actor emphasized the value of trusting other creatives in collaborative projects. The role of Syndrome marked a missed opportunity, but Black’s achievements across animation and music continue to define his diverse career. As he revisits characters like Bowser, fans are reminded that even the most successful talents encounter pivotal moments of doubt and growth. The impact of The Incredibles endures, highlighting why casting decisions resonate long after the credits roll.
