2007's Superbad not only continued the success of the geek Chic movies but it proved to be the breakthrough performance for teenage actor Christopher Mintz Plasse.Superbad was the latest in the Seth Rogan/Judd Apatow collaborations and it was Mintz Plasse's debut on the big screen.The eighteen year old actor, having had no acting experience apart from drama classes at school, was cast in the role of McLovin after auditioning with high school friends.Superbad was a critical and commercial success opening at number one at the American box office, staying there for two weeks.Having been made on a modest $20 million budget the film was a massive hit grossing over $169 million at the global box office, and along with Apatow's Knocked Up, it was the comedy picture of the year.Despite having no training Mintz Plasse's career looks set to continue as he will next be seen alongside Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott in Little Big Men.

The film follows two energy drink reps' (Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott) behaviour forces them to enroll in a community service program where they mentor two young boys (Nate Hartley and Vincent Martella).

He has also been doing some voice recording work for How to Train Your Dragon, the big screen adaptation of Cressida Cowell's 2003 novel.

The story follows the adventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the eleven year old son of a Viking chief who must capture a dragon as a rite of passage.

Mintz Plasse voices the character Fishlegs, Hiccup's best friend.

The young star will then return to a Judd Apatow project, which Apatow will produce, with The Year One with Jack Black.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw