Actor Jack Black has opened up about one of the biggest roles he regrets turning down: the character of Syndrome in Pixar’s acclaimed animated film The Incredibles. In an interview with People, the 56-year-old revealed that he was offered the role of the film’s main villain in the 2004 superhero hit but passed on it due to concerns about how the character was written.

Calling the topic a “tricky question,” Black initially joked that discussing roles you’ve rejected can make the actor who takes the part seem like a second choice. Still, he chose to speak honestly about the decision, admitting that he no longer agrees with his original reasoning. “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,” he said. The role ultimately went to Jason Lee, whose performance as the obsessive fan-turned-supervillain received widespread praise.

Black explained that his hesitation stemmed from doubts about director Brad Bird and the complexity of the character. He requested changes to give the role more depth, but the conversation ended there. Looking back, he acknowledged that the outcome proved him wrong. “I learned a valuable lesson because when that movie came out, it was one of the best movies ever made,” Black said, adding that he later wondered why he had been “so difficult.” The Incredibles went on to achieve massive commercial and critical success, earning over $630 million worldwide and spawning a sequel in 2018, with a third installment currently in development.

Despite missing out on Syndrome, Black’s career continued to thrive. He starred in School of Rock (2003) and appeared in films such as Shark Tale, King Kong, Nacho Libre, and The Holiday. He also led the Kung Fu Panda animated franchise and voiced Bowser in The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), a role he will reprise in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2025). Recently, Paul Rudd praised Black while discussing their upcoming collaboration in Anaconda, calling him a “hero” and commending his warmth and humility, especially with fans and children, according to People.