Jack Black Opens Up About Turning Down The Incredibles Villain
Jack Black recently shared his regret over passing on the chance to voice Syndrome in The Incredibles, reflecting on how the decision shaped his career and what he learned from the experience.
Jack Black has candidly admitted he regrets passing up the chance to voice the villain Syndrome in the 2004 animated hit The Incredibles. The role ultimately went to Jason Lee, best known for My Name Is Earl, who brought the character to life in the original film and returned for the blockbuster sequel in 2018. During a recent interview with Capital, while promoting his latest film Anaconda—released in U.S. theaters on December 26 and co-starring Paul Rudd—Black reflected on the missed opportunity and how it impacted his outlook on future roles.
He recalled,
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.
Black went on to explain his reasoning at the time, admitting,
And I said no because I was like, ‘Uhhh, (director ) Brad Bird? Never heard of him!’
He also revealed that he gave some unsolicited feedback to Bird about the character, which may have cost him the part.
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?
According to Black, Bird’s response was blunt:
Yeah, you’re done.
Learning From Missed Opportunities
Despite missing out on the role, Black said the experience taught him a valuable lesson. When The Incredibles was released, it quickly became one of his all-time favorite movies, and he realized he may have been too difficult during negotiations.
I learned a valuable lesson because when that movie came out, it was one of the best movies ever made.
He added,
I was like, ‘Why was I being so difficult?’
Black’s career has seen its share of ups and downs when it comes to choosing roles, but he’s continued to prove himself as a box office draw. In 2025, he starred in both A Minecraft Movie and Anaconda, further cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood ’s most reliable stars.
The Incredibles Legacy Continues
Meanwhile, the legacy of The Incredibles is far from over. A third installment in the franchise is currently in development, with Peter Sohn set to take over directing duties from Brad Bird. Fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next for the beloved animated series, and Black’s story serves as a reminder of how even the biggest stars sometimes miss out on iconic roles.