Jack Black, the beloved actor and comedian known for School of Rock, Kung Fu Panda, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, recently reflected on the film role he most regrets saying no to: Syndrome in Pixar’s The Incredibles.

Black, 56, shared his experience in a candid Capital FM interview published December 25, 2025, revealing the personal and professional lessons he gained from the decision.

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The Role That Got Away: Syndrome in The Incredibles

Black revealed that he was offered the role of Syndrome, the villainous fan-turned-supervillain in The Incredibles (2004). Syndrome, originally voiced by Jason Lee, is obsessed with Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) and seeks to steal superpowers. The animated film also featured Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Spencer Fox, Samuel L. Jackson, and Elizabeth Peña.

“I was offered, and I do regret it, saying no… it was one of my favorite movies of all time,” Black said.

At the time, he expressed concerns over the character’s depth.

“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,” Black recalled telling director Brad Bird. The director reportedly declined, leading Black to pass on the role.

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Why Black Said No

Black admitted his decision was partly due to unfamiliarity and his own hesitations:

“I was like, ‘Uhhh, [Brad Bird]? Never heard of him!’” he joked.

He also reflected on his personality at the time, calling himself “difficult” for questioning the character’s development.

“I learned a valuable lesson because when that movie came out, it was one of the best movies ever made. I was like, ‘Why was I being so difficult?!'”

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The Incredibles’ Legacy

Despite missing out on the role, The Incredibles became a massive critical and commercial success, earning over $630 million worldwide. It also spawned a sequel in 2018 and a third film in development, solidifying its place as one of Pixar’s most beloved franchises.

Black’s career, however, continued to thrive. By then, he had already starred in School of Rock (2003) and went on to lead roles in Shark Tale (2004), King Kong (2005), Nacho Libre (2006), and The Holiday (2006). He also voiced Po in Kung Fu Panda and Bowser in The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), which he will reprise in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2025).

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Reflections on Missed Opportunities

Black described the experience as a “valuable lesson” in humility and trusting the creative process, noting that his regret has informed his approach to roles ever since.

He humorously acknowledged the awkwardness of turning down a role that became iconic, noting that actors sometimes feel pressure over “second-choice” perceptions:

“Because then the person who got the role, they look like s— because, ‘Oh, I was a second choice? I was sloppy seconds!’”

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Career and Recent Projects

Jack Black continues to thrive in Hollywood, most recently starring in the film Anaconda (2025) alongside Paul Rudd, who praised Black’s professionalism and generosity on set. Black and Rudd have a history of working together in films like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007), but Anaconda marked their first time as true costars.

Rudd described Black as “a hero of mine” and praised his positive influence on cast and crew, noting how he interacts warmly with everyone, especially children.