Jack Black Breaks Silence On His Biggest Career Regret: 'I Was Sloppy Seconds!'

Jan 7, 2026 - 21:30
Jack Black Breaks Silence On His Biggest Career Regret: 'I Was Sloppy Seconds!'
Jack Black at the 50th Annual AFI Life Achievement Award 2025 Honoring Francis Ford Coppola
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If only Jack Black could turn back the hands of time!

The actor has dozens of career highlights in Hollywood, but one role he turned down topped the list of his greatest regret as far as his journey in the film industry is concerned.

Jack Black was in the news last year after his friends and loved ones reportedly expressed concerns over his lackadaisical attitude to weight loss in recent years.

Jack Black Spoke On Jason Lee Getting The Role He Rejected

Jack Black at Los Angeles Special Screening Of Universal Pictures, Nintendo And Illumination Entertainment's 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie'
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The comedian turned the switch on a confession session about a movie role he wished he had not let go. He revealed that he was offered the role of 'Syndrome' in "The Incredibles", which is one of his favorite movies.

Black had initially expressed hesitation to answer the question, saying, "because then the person who got the role, they look like sh-t because, Oh, I was a second choice? I was sloppy seconds!" Expanding on his reasons further, he admitted that he took issue with the one-dimensional nature of the character.

He recalled telling the director, Brad Bird, whom he had never heard of at the time, to consider rewriting the character, but the director refused and severed ties with him.

Black, however, laid the experience to rest by sharing a valuable lesson he learned when the movie came out. "It was one of the best movies ever made. I was like, 'Why was I being so difficult?!"' the actor explained to CapitalFM hosts.

How Did The Comedian Fare After Turning Down The Role?

Jack Black at Lionsgate Films' 'Borderlands' Special Los Angeles Fan Event

Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

Well, turning down 'Syndrome' was not the end of the road for Black, although the movie grossed over $600 million from release and went on to add a sequel and a third one, which is currently being developed.

Black found his sauce on the set of 2003's "School of Rock," and continued his streak on 2004's "Shark Tale," "King Kong" in 2005, and the double trouble "Nacho Libre," and "The Holiday," which were released in 2006.

Two years later, the actor starred in "Kung Fu Panda" and also starred in "The Super Mario Bros" movie, which was released 15 years later in 2023. 

He closed the year with a Christmas Day release of "Anaconda," in which his co-star Paul Rudd described the experience of joining Black on set as working with his hero. The actor's return for another variant of "The Super Mario Galaxy" movie is due this April. 

Jack Black Addressed The Controversy Surrounding Tenacious D's Cancelled Tour

Jack Black at the World Premiere Of DreamWorks Animation And Universal Pictures' 'Kung Fu Panda 4'

Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

The musician spoke about the decision of his band to cancel their tour after Kyle Gass encouraged the shooter of Donald Trump's Pennsylvania rally not to miss the target next time.

The statement, which Gass made at his birthday party, instantly caused an uproar on the internet and backlash against Black's band, "Tenacious D," who were on tour at the time.

As reported by The Blast, Black addressed the comment and revealed that he never saw it coming, nor does he condone violence of any kind. He concluded the statement, expressing that after much reflection, it no longer feels appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour and put all future creative plans on hold.

He then informed Entertainment Tonight in another interview that a break was necessary for the band's growth, but a return is inevitable. Gass also apologized for his careless statement, stating:

"What happened was a tragedy, and I'm incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgment. I profoundly apologize to those I've let down and truly regret any pain I've caused."

The Actor's Loved Ones Expressed Concern Over His Poor Fitness Lifestyle

Jack Black at World Premiere Of A Minecraft Movie

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Black's approach at keeping fit has disappointed his loved ones, who were initially optimistic about his decision to finally start living healthier for the New Year.

The Blast noted that in January 2025, he excitedly shared a post of himself doing dumbbell presses and promised to keep up with fitness gurus like Dwayne Johnson.

His friends established that his commitment seven months after that video has now gotten bleak, and his gym trips have done little to bear any positive results.

Sources close to the actor affirmed that he indulges in excessive drinking and unhealthy eating habits, exposing him to the risk of diabetes and fatty liver, which prevents the body from responding adequately to insulin.

Jack Black And Kathy Griffin's Relationship Had This Weird Episode

Kathy Griffin at 2019 HBO Emmy Party

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The actor and Griffin had a brief romantic episode in the 90s, a scene she looked back on with so much fondness, and shared a story about his hygiene. The media personality had uploaded a picture of the comedian when they were together, hanging out on a couch.

She revealed that Black was her first boyfriend, and she earned lots of hype for her status as his partner at the time. However, she noticed a striking thing when she went over to his place for a shower, and it was the lack of a towel.

She recalled asking for a towel and the actor telling her she was standing on it, and she concluded it was something straight guys do, adding: "He had one bath mat/towel that he used for both, and that was it."

Griffin further clarified the nature of their relationship in her 2009 memoir, clarifying that they went out only two to three months, but it meant so much to her.

What will Jack Black reveal next?

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