Jack Black Shares His Biggest Career Regret: Turning Down Syndrome in The Incredibles
Jack Black recently admitted he passed on voicing Syndrome in Pixar’s The Incredibles, a decision he now looks back on with regret after witnessing the film’s massive success.
Jack Black, known for his memorable performances since his breakout in School of Rock back in 2003, recently opened up about a major opportunity he let slip through his fingers. Around the same time his career was taking off, Black was approached to voice a character in what would become one of Pixar ’s most beloved animated films. The actor revealed that he was offered the role of Syndrome, the main antagonist in The Incredibles, but ultimately decided to turn it down—a choice he now wishes he could take back.
During a candid conversation with Capital FM, Black reflected on the experience and the lessons he learned from it. He explained that he’s often hesitant to talk about roles he missed out on, since it can make the actor who landed the part feel like a second choice. Still, he decided to share his story, saying,
“I was offered – and I do regret saying no – I was offered Syndrome in that fantastic movie The Incredibles, one of my favorites of all time, by the way.”
Why Jack Black Said No
Black went on to describe his thought process at the time. He admitted that he wasn’t familiar with director Brad Bird and felt the character of Syndrome seemed a bit flat.
“The character that you’re offering me is a villain, but he’s kind of one-dimensional. I’m interested, but I’d like to see a re-write. Will you add some dimension to the character?”
Black recalled asking. According to him, the response was swift:
“And he was like ‘You’re done, get out of here.’”
After seeing the finished film, Black realized just how wrong he’d been. The Incredibles went on to become a massive hit, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Black admitted,
“I learned a valuable lesson, because then the movie came out and it was one of the best movies ever made. And I was like, ‘Why was I being so difficult?’”
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Despite missing out on the role, Black’s career has continued to thrive. He’s currently starring in a satirical remake of Anaconda, a fresh take on the cult 1997 horror film about deadly snakes. Even as he looks back on his decision with a sense of regret, Black’s willingness to share his missteps offers a rare glimpse into the unpredictable nature of Hollywood and the tough choices actors face.
For fans of Pixar, The Incredibles remains a standout, and Black’s story adds another layer to the film’s legacy. Curious where The Incredibles ranks among the studio’s best? It’s a question that keeps movie lovers debating to this day.