‘Superbad’s Fogell is a beloved pop culture icon, but what about the actor behind the character? Christopher Mintz-Plasse‘s career hasn’t quite taken off like his Superbad co-stars, and he’s rarely seen in TV or movies these days. But that doesn’t mean he’s been sitting on his hands. Here are some things you need to know about what Mintz-Plasse has been up to since Superbad.
The Burden Of Fogell And The Pressure Of Sudden Fame
Ever since Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s breakout role as Fogell (McLovin) in ‘Superbad,’ he has struggled to break free from the iconic character. Despite starring in other notable films such as ‘Kick-Ass’ and ‘Neighbors,’ he is still primarily known as McLovin. This typecasting can make it difficult for actors to move beyond their initial success, and Mintz-Plasse is no exception. In an interview with GQ, he revealed that he has lost out on several roles because of his association with McLovin, and it has become a constant challenge for him to be seen as a serious actor.
‘Superbad’ was an instant success, turning its young stars into overnight celebrities. However, for Mintz-Plasse, the sudden fame was overwhelming. In an interview with Page Six, he admitted that the attention was intense and caused him a lot of anxiety and breakdowns. He was barely out of high school at the time, and the experience was a lot for him to handle. Despite the challenges, Mintz-Plasse credits his support system of friends and family, as well as his agent and manager, for helping him navigate his career through the intense pressure of sudden fame.
The Drawbacks Of Voice Acting
While Mintz-Plasse has had several successful voice acting roles, including Fishlegs in ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ and King Gristle in ‘Trolls,’ this career path has its drawbacks. Voice acting can be lucrative and allow for more creative freedom, but it also means that Mintz-Plasse’s face is not seen by casting agents, which can limit his opportunities for on-screen roles. Additionally, voice acting doesn’t allow for the same type of exposure and recognition that comes with live-action roles, which can hinder an actor’s ability to build a diverse resume and expand their career.
Music Career
In addition to his acting career, Mintz-Plasse has also pursued a career in music, playing bass in the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band MainMan. The band was formed in 2017, and their first single ‘WWH,’ was featured on Funny or Die. They followed it up with an EP called ‘Social Security Party’ the same year and a single called ‘Bitterman’ in 2019.
Mintz-Plasse’s music career has allowed him to explore his creative side and express himself in a different way. While his band has not yet achieved mainstream success, it’s an important part of his identity and a way to connect with his fans in a more personal way.
Recent Movie Appearances
Despite his absence from mainstream Hollywood films in recent years, Christopher Mintz-Plasse has made a few noteworthy appearances in both independent and big-budget movies. One of his most recent roles was in the 2020 Oscar-nominated film, ‘Promising Young Woman.’ Mintz-Plasse played the role of ‘nice guy’ Neil, a character who is not as kind-hearted as he initially appears. He also starred in the 2022 movie, ‘Honor Society,’ as a character named Mr. Calvin.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s Low-Key Approach To Fame
Mintz-Plasse has always been a private person and doesn’t seem interested in chasing the Hollywood spotlight. While he will occasionally attend red-carpet events and promote his work, he generally keeps a low profile and is not active on social media. In interviews, he has expressed a desire to maintain a sense of normalcy in his personal life and to keep work and personal life separate. This approach may have contributed to his lower visibility in the industry, but it also reflects a commitment to his values and priorities outside of work.
Finding A Path Forward: What’s Next For Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Despite the challenges he has faced in his career, Mintz-Plasse remains a talented actor with a unique comedic sensibility. As he moves forward, he will need to find ways to break free from the McLovin persona and establish himself as a serious actor. This may involve taking on more dramatic roles or pursuing projects outside of his comfort zone. It could also mean focusing more on music or other creative pursuits. Whatever his next steps may be, Mintz-Plasse’s talent and work ethic will undoubtedly continue to make him a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.
Despite his numerous endeavors, Mintz-Plasse’s career hasn’t reached the heights of his ‘Superbad’ co-stars like Seth Rogen, Michael Cera, and Jonah Hill. Mintz-Plasse’s McLovin character was undoubtedly iconic, but it may have overshadowed his other roles and limited his range as an actor. It’s also possible that his desire for privacy and preference for supporting roles have impacted his opportunities in Hollywood. Whatever he does next, it’s clear that Mintz-Plasse is a talented performer with a lot to offer, both on and off-screen.
