Chicken Joe is one of the most beloved characters from the 2007 animated surfing comedy film Surf’s Up. With his chilled-out personality, unique surfer lingo, and tendency to cluck like a chicken when he gets excited, Chicken Joe provides some of the biggest laughs in the movie. But who is the talented voice actor behind this hilarious animated chicken? Let’s take a deeper dive to unravel the mystery of who voices Chicken Joe.
Introducing Chicken Joe
In Surf’s Up, Chicken Joe is an eccentric chicken who surfs and enters the same big surfing competition as the film’s protagonist, a penguin named Cody Maverick. Right from his first scene, it’s clear Chicken Joe marches to the beat of his own drum. He’s always positive, ridiculously laidback, and spaced out – traits that make him an endearing and funny addition to the cast of characters.
Chicken Joe takes newcomer Cody under his wing and becomes a surfing mentor of sorts for him. While Cody is tightly wound and focused on winning, Chicken Joe teaches him to chill out and just go with the flow. Their odd-couple dynamic provides some of the most hilarious moments in the movie.
So who was perfectly cast to bring this quirky character to life?
The Talented Jon Heder Voices Chicken Joe
It turns out the voice behind Chicken Joe is none other than actor Jon Heder. Heder was an inspired choice to voice Surf’s Up’s free-spirited surfing chicken.
Heder had become known for playing lovably offbeat characters after breaking out in the 2004 indie comedy Napoleon Dynamite. In that cult classic film, Heder portrayed the awkward but undeniably unique Napoleon Dynamite. His performance showcased impeccable comedic timing and the ability to fully inhabit eccentric characters.
These talents translated seamlessly to breathing life into the similarly oddball character of Chicken Joe. Heder captured Chicken Joe’s spacey, blithe persona perfectly. And he delivered the character’s ridiculous lines with just the right tone of perpetual chill and good-natured obliviousness.
So Surf’s Up allowed Heder to once again showcase his skills at portraying endearing misfits. And his vocal performance endowed Chicken Joe with tons of heart and humor.
Heder’s Background Prepared Him Well for Voicing Chicken Joe
Heder was born in Colorado in 1977 but grew up in Oregon. He comes from a large family with six siblings and is a twin. Heder has said performing comedy sketches with his brothers from an early age fueled his interest in acting and comedy.
After serving a Mormon mission in Japan, Heder studied film at Brigham Young University. It was there he became friends with Jared Hess and starred in Hess’ short film Peluca, which was expanded into Napoleon Dynamite.
The runaway success of Napoleon Dynamite catapulted Heder to fame. It also paved the way for him to land more offbeat roles like Chicken Joe. Heder went on to voice characters in other animated films like Monster House. But Chicken Joe remains one of his most beloved voice acting roles.
Beyond the Surf’s Up franchise, Heder has starred in comedies like Blades of Glory, School for Scoundrels, and When in Rome. He continues taking on quirky film and TV roles that allow him to flex his comedy chops.
Why Heder Was the Right Fit for Chicken Joe
When the filmmakers were looking to cast Chicken Joe, they needed a voice actor who could bring the right balance of likability, humor, and endearing weirdness to the character. Heder checked all those boxes perfectly thanks to his experience playing similarly oddball characters.
Heder’s background voicing animated roles also made him well-equipped to convey Chicken Joe’s personality solely through vocal performance. And he was able to infuse Chicken Joe with warmth and hilarity that made the character leap off the screen.
Heder’s innate knack for physical comedy also suited the very visually expressive and funny animation of Chicken Joe. Through his voice work, Heder conveyed the chicken’s loose, rubbery movements and tendency to literally flap around when he got riled up.
Overall, Heder’s one-of-a-kind voice acting talent allowed Chicken Joe to stand out as one of the most hilarious parts of Surf’s Up. His performance was key to bringing the chill but delightfully weird chicken to life in a way that resonated with audiences. So next time you watch Surf’s Up, listen closely, and you’ll recognize the one and only Jon Heder as the distinctive voice behind Chicken Joe.
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- Chicken Joe: Cody. I know hes out here. I can feel it in my nuggets!
- Chicken Joe: So its day three. I come across Pen Guans.
- Chicken Joe: [Cut to Joe tied to a spit, carried by Pen Guans] Im Chicken Joe. Joseph. Its long for Joe.
- [Pen Guan shouts at Joe in native language]
- Chicken Joe: Thats cool.
- Chicken Joe: [cut back to Joe] They treat me as their king and put me in their hot tub. I guess their royal hot tub.
- [Cut to Joe in a boiling pot, while Pen Guins dance and cut vegetables to put on pot]
- Chicken Joe: It got all hot and steamy. It really opened up my pores.
- [Pen Guans throw vegetables in pot]
- Chicken Joe: They even served me food while I was in there. As great as it was, I still had a vision of my quest.
- [Joe steps out of pot, Pen Guans shout and throw spears]
- Chicken Joe: You know, weve known each other way back since, like… yesterday, I think it was.
- Rob: Hows it feel to win, Joe?
- Chicken Joe: I won?
- [in the aftermath of a storm]
- Chicken Joe: Lani, wheres Cody?
- [Codys surfboard washes ashore, and Lani starts crying]
- Lani Aliikai: Oh, crap!
- [runs out to save drowning penguin]
- Cody Maverick: Oh man, Im in love.
- Arnold: Help me, Im drowning.
- Chicken Joe: What are you standing here next to me for? You should go talk to her.
- Cody Maverick: No way, man! Im not gonna go talk to her.
- Chicken Joe: Dude, shes totally into you! She called you crap!
- Chicken Joe: Whoah! You gotta try this blowhole thing, man! This whale dude is giving me a brain freeze.
- Chicken Joe: [to Lani] I can help, though. Except if theres blood. Just the thought of blood makes me… makes me…
- [faints]
- Cody Maverick: My names Cody Maverick, Shiverpool. You?
- Chicken Joe: No, Im not from Shiverpool. Dude, Im from Lake Michigan. Thats where I surf. I was the only one around my town who did it.
- Chicken Joe: Squidito on el stickito?
- Chicken Joe: Butt freeze!
- Tank Evans: First, Im gonna take you down. Then Im gonna fry the chicken.
- Chicken Joe: [Lying on his board, staring at the sky] Whoa! That cloud looks just like a kitten. Aww.
- Filmmaker: Arent you worried about being out here in the jungle? Isnt it kinda dangerous?
- Chicken Joe: Dude, the jungle is like the most peaceful place on the planet.
- [Pen Guans appear and blow darts at Joe and the camera]
Surf’s Up – Voiceover Ensemble
FAQ
Who plays the voice of Chicken Joe?
Jon Heder: Chicken Joe.
Who does Jon Heder voice?
Scott: “Jon Heder as a goofy street magician is the funniest of the bunch.” Heder voiced Napoleon Dynamite in the Fox Network animated series Napoleon Dynamite, which debuted in January 2012.
What happened to John Heder?
Jon Heder, best known for his role as Napoleon Dynamite, has continued to work in film and television since the 2004 movie. He’s appeared in various movies, including “The Benchwarmers” and “Blades of Glory,” and has done voice acting work in animated series like “Pickle and Peanut” and “Stretch Armstrong & the Flex Fighters”. He also recently mentioned a potential “Napoleon Dynamite” sequel.
What is Chicken Joe’s real name?
Jon Heder as Chicken Joe, a friendly, airheaded rooster from Wisconsin. Mario Cantone as Mikey Abromowitz, a talent scout shorebird. James Woods as Reggie Belafonte, an arrogant sea otter, the competition promoter. Diedrich Bader as Tank “The Shredder” Evans, a king penguin and Cody’s rival.
Who is Chicken Joe in surf’s up?
Chicken Joe (voiced by Jon Heder) in Surf’s Up. Photo © Sony Pictures Entertainment Chicken Joe: A Sheboygan, Wisconsin native, Chicken Joe learned to surf on the Great Lakes. The crazy surf-loving chicken befriends Cody Maverick on the way to Pen Gu Island and the 10th Annual Big Z Memorial Surf-Off.
Who is Chicken Joe?
Chicken Joe, the lovable surfing chicken from the “Surf’s Up” franchise, has made a lasting impact on popular culture. Through his laid-back personality, loyalty, and humor, he has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Who voices Chicken Joe in ‘Napoleon Dynamite’?
His character embodies a carefree attitude that resonates with audiences, making him a memorable addition to the cast. The voice of Chicken Joe is provided by actor Jon Heder, known for his role in the cult classic “Napoleon Dynamite.” Heder’s unique vocal delivery adds charm and humor to Chicken Joe, contributing to his popularity.
What did Chicken Joe eat in surf’s up 2?
Eating squids on sticks. To find Cody and bring him back to the Surfing contest (succeeded). Chicken Joe is a major protagonist in the 2007 mockumentary animated film Surf’s Up, and the tritagonist of its 2017 sequel Surf’s Up 2: Wavemania.
Is Chicken Joe a real person?
Chicken Joe is a fictional character from the animated film “Surf’s Up.” He is known for his carefree and adventurous spirit, often depicted as a happy-go-lucky chicken who is an enthusiastic surfer. His laid-back attitude and humorous quotes make him a beloved character among fans of the film. What does Chicken Joe represent?
Does Chicken Joe resemble a chicken?
In the English dub of both movies., he is voiced by Jon Heder, who also portrayed Clark Reedy in The Benchwarmers and Jimmy MacElroy in Blades of Glory. In the Japanese dub, he is voiced by Setsuji Satō, who also voiced Alastor in Hazbin Hotel. Chicken Joe resembles a chicken.