Who Voices Chicken Joe? Jon Heder’s Surf’s Up Character Journey

Have you ever watched the animated surf penguin movie “Surf’s Up” and wondered, “who the heck is that laid-back chicken with the surfer dude voice?” Well, you’re not alone! Chicken Joe has become one of the most beloved animated sidekicks in recent memory, and the voice behind this chill character is none other than Jon Heder the actor who first rose to fame as the awkward teen in “Napoleon Dynamite.”

The Voice Behind the Feathers: Jon Heder as Chicken Joe

When Sony Pictures Animation was casting for their 2007 mockumentary-style surfing film “Surf’s Up” they needed someone who could embody the ultimate relaxed surfer vibe for Chicken Joe. Jon Heder was the perfect choice bringing his unique vocal talents to create a character that resonated with audiences of all ages.

Heder’s portrayal of Chicken Joe is characterized by:

• A slow, mellow speaking pattern
• A permanently chill attitude
• Oblivious optimism
• Surfer dialect with plenty of “dudes” and “whoas”

His performance was so spot-on that Heder returned to voice Chicken Joe again in the 2017 direct-to-video sequel “Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania.”

Jon Heder’s Career Beyond Chicken Joe

While many people know Jon Heder from his breakout role as Napoleon Dynamite, his career has been quite diverse. Born on October 26, 1977, in Fort Collins, Colorado, Heder has built an impressive resume in both live-action and voice acting roles.

Some of Jon Heder’s notable works include:

Heder has shown his versatility as an actor, seamlessly transitioning between comedic live-action roles and voice acting. His distinctive voice has made him a sought-after talent in animation.

The Creation of Chicken Joe in Surf’s Up

Chicken Joe isn’t your typical animated sidekick. In the world of “Surf’s Up,” he stands out as the only chicken among a cast of penguins and other antarctic animals. His character serves as both comic relief and a genuine friend to the protagonist, Cody Maverick (voiced by Shia LaBeouf).

What makes Chicken Joe special:

• He’s from Sheboygan, Wisconsin (far from the tropical surfing locales)
• He’s perpetually optimistic, even in dangerous situations
• He has no idea he’s different from the penguins
• He’s an exceptionally skilled surfer despite his laid-back attitude

The directors, Ash Brannon and Chris Buck, created a character that on paper might seem like just a one-note joke, but with Heder’s performance, Chicken Joe became a fully realized character that audiences couldn’t help but love.

Behind the Scenes of Recording Chicken Joe

Voice acting for animated films is a unique process, and Jon Heder brought his own style to the recording booth. Unlike some animated films where actors record separately, “Surf’s Up” sometimes had actors recording together to create more authentic interactions.

During the recording sessions, Heder reportedly:

• Improvised many of Chicken Joe’s best lines
• Used physical movements to get into character
• Worked closely with the animation team to sync his vocal performance with Joe’s movements
• Drew inspiration from actual surfers he’d met

The result was a character that felt authentic despite being, well, a cartoon chicken on a surfboard!

Why Chicken Joe Resonates with Audiences

There’s something about Chicken Joe that just makes people smile. I think it’s his complete lack of self-consciousness and genuine kindness that makes him so appealing to viewers of all ages.

Chicken Joe represents:

• Acceptance of others regardless of differences
• Finding joy in simple pleasures
• Friendship without judgment
• Living in the moment

These qualities, combined with Heder’s pitch-perfect vocal performance, created a character that stood out even among a cast of colorful personalities in the film.

The Surf’s Up Franchise and Chicken Joe’s Legacy

The original “Surf’s Up” was released in 2007 and received generally positive reviews from critics who appreciated its mockumentary style and heartfelt story. While it wasn’t a massive box office hit, it developed a strong following that eventually led to a sequel.

In 2017, “Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania” was released directly to video. This sequel featured Chicken Joe prominently, with Jon Heder returning to voice the beloved character. The film brought together Cody, Chicken Joe, and new characters in a fresh surfing adventure.

Jon Heder’s Voice Acting Technique

What makes Jon Heder’s performance as Chicken Joe so special is his ability to create a character that feels distinct from his other roles while still being recognizably “Heder.”

His approach to voice acting includes:

• Creating a unique vocal pattern for each character
• Physical embodiment of the character while recording
• Understanding the character’s motivations and background
• Finding the emotional truth in even the most comedic moments

Heder has mentioned in interviews that he enjoys voice acting because it allows him to create characters that would be impossible in live-action. With Chicken Joe, he was able to embody a surfing chicken from Wisconsin without the limitations of physical appearance.

Other Notable Voice Actors in Surf’s Up

While Jon Heder’s Chicken Joe is definitely a standout, the entire voice cast of “Surf’s Up” is impressive. The film features a mix of established actors and actual professional surfers:

• Shia LaBeouf as Cody Maverick, the ambitious young penguin surfer
• Jeff Bridges as Zeke “Big Z” Topanga/Geek, a legendary surfer
• Zooey Deschanel as Lani Aliikai, the lifeguard
• James Woods as Reggie Belafonte, the promoter
• Diedrich Bader as Tank “The Shredder” Evans, the antagonist
• Mario Cantone as Mikey Abromowitz, the talent scout
• Kelly Slater and Rob Machado as themselves (professional surfers)

This blend of professional actors and actual surfers helped create the authentic documentary feel that made “Surf’s Up” unique among animated films.

The Animation Style of Chicken Joe

The animation of Chicken Joe perfectly complements Heder’s vocal performance. The character’s design emphasizes his laid-back nature:

• Droopy posture
• Half-lidded eyes
• Lanky frame
• Perpetual small smile

The animators at Sony Pictures Animation paid close attention to details, making sure that Joe’s body language matched Heder’s vocal inflections. This synergy between animation and voice acting is what makes animated characters truly come alive.

Fan Reactions to Chicken Joe

Since the release of “Surf’s Up,” Chicken Joe has become a fan favorite character. Across social media and fan forums, people express their love for this chill chicken:

“Chicken Joe is literally the best part of Surf’s Up. I can’t help but smile whenever he’s on screen!”

“Jon Heder’s voice work as Chicken Joe is so perfect. I can’t imagine anyone else in that role.”

“Every time I rewatch Surf’s Up, I appreciate Chicken Joe more. He’s the friend we all need in our lives.”

Will We See More of Jon Heder as Chicken Joe?

While there haven’t been any official announcements about a third “Surf’s Up” film, fans remain hopeful. Jon Heder has expressed fondness for the character in past interviews, suggesting he’d be open to returning to the role if the opportunity arose.

In the meantime, Heder continues to take on new voice acting challenges. His work in animation includes roles in “Star vs. the Forces of Evil,” “Pickle and Peanut,” and most recently, “Thelma the Unicorn” (2024), where he voices the character Reggie.

The success of Chicken Joe as a character is a testament to Jon Heder’s talents as a voice actor. His ability to create a memorable, lovable character with just his voice has cemented Chicken Joe as one of animation’s most endearing sidekicks.

Whether you’re a fan of animation, surfing culture, or just good character work, Chicken Joe and Jon Heder’s performance is worth appreciating. It’s a reminder of how a skilled actor can bring life to pixels and drawings, creating a character that feels as real and authentic as any live-action performance.

So next time someone asks you “who voices Chicken Joe?” you can confidently tell them it’s Jon Heder – the man who brought us both Napoleon Dynamite and our favorite surfing chicken from Wisconsin.

The actor who voiced Chicken Joe in the animated film Surf’s Up (2007) is Jon Heder. Heder continued to voice the character of Chicken Joe in the film’s sequel, Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania.

Jon Heder is actively working as a filmmaker, producer, and actor, known for his iconic role in Napoleon Dynamite and subsequent appearances in films like Blades of Glory and Monster House. He recently appeared in a conversation for LDSPMA in July 2025, discussing his career and family life. There was a brief, unrealized discussion about a Napoleon Dynamite sequel where Heder declined to participate without the original director.