Jack Black reveals he rejected ‘The Incredibles’ role: “I do regret it”

Posted On January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

Jack Black has revealed his “regret” over rejecting the opportunity to voice Syndrome in The Incredibles.

Ultimately, the role went to My Name Is Earl star Jason Earl voiced the character in the classic 2004 animation, and also returned for the 2018 sequel, which was one of the biggest box office successes of that calendar year.

Now, during an interview with Capital to promote his new movie, Anaconda, which arrived in UK cinemas on December 26th, and also stars Paul Rudd, Black discussed the missed opportunity.

He admitted, “I was offered, and I do regret it, saying no… I was offered Syndrome in that fantastic movie The Incredibles. One of my favourites of all time, by the way.”

“And I said no because I was like, ‘Uhhh, (director) Brad Bird? Never heard of him!’,” Black honestly revealed about the mistake.

He then shared the unsolicited advice he gave to Bird about Syndrome that ultimately cost him the role, stating, “‘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’.”

However, one positive from the situation is that it made Black adapt his mindset, admitting, “I learned a valuable lesson because when that movie came out, it was one of the best movies ever made.”

The Anaconda star added, “I was like, ‘Why was I being so difficult?’”

Black’s mistakes regarding roles that he’s taken on are thick and thin. In 2025, he continued to prove his worth as one of the most reliable names at the box office in Hollywood, thanks to A Minecraft Movie and Anaconda.

Meanwhile, a third movie in The Incredibles franchise is currently in the works, with Peter Sohn set to take over from Bird as the director.

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