"Not Really About The Money": Jim Carrey Addresses Returning For A Mask Sequel 20 Years After Skipping The First Attempt

Jim Carrey opened up about the possibility of returning to his iconic role in The Mask, 20 years after the idea for a sequel was first floated. The original The Mask follows Stanley Ipkiss (Carrey), a mild-mannered bank clerk who transforms into a mischievous, wild version of himself when he dons a mysterious green mask. The film was a major box office success, grossing $351.5M worldwide and launching Carrey into superstardom. Carrey's talk of a sequel came after years of speculation about Carrey’s potential involvement in a sequel to the 1994 cult hit.

In a recent interview with ComicBook.com, he confirmed that while he has no interest in revisiting the character for the sake of monetary gain, a return is possible under the right conditions. Carrey explained that, for him, it’s not about cashing in on the success of the original film, but rather ensuring that any potential sequel offers a compelling story that honors the source material. Check out his comments below:

Oh gosh, you know, it has to be the right idea. If somebody had the right idea, I guess… It’s not really about the money. I joke about the money… But I never know. You can’t be definite about these things. I said I’d like to retire, but I think I was talking more about power-resting. Because as soon as a good idea comes your way, or a group of people you really enjoyed working with and stuff, it just – things tend to change.

What This Means For Hollywood Sequels & Jim Carrey's Legacy

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Jim Carrey’s comments point toward a recurring theme in the world of sequels – the story needs to be done right. For many actors, including Carrey, revisiting past roles can be a challenge if the narrative doesn’t offer something fresh. Carrey emphasized that money alone isn’t a sufficient motivator for him to return to the character. Instead, a compelling story with depth and meaning would be required for Carrey to proceed with starring in a The Mask sequel.

However, there was a previous attempt at a sequel to The Mask. The 2005 film, Son of the Mask, was released without Carrey. The film, starring Jamie Kennedy, struggled to capture the magic of the original, both in terms of storytelling and Carrey’s signature comedic style. Carrey’s absence was notably felt as it scored only 6% on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed $59.9M against a budget of $84M. The film’s critical failure underscored how essential it is for sequels to have the right filmmaking elements in place and, most importantly, a connection to the original’s appeal and the return of the actors who helped make the previous movie successful.

Related 20 Best Quotes From The Mask The Mask has become a comedy classic and with hilarious and iconic lines like these, it's easy to see why. Here are the best quotes from the movie.

Even so, Carrey’s approach to potential sequels aligns with a broader industry shift toward prioritizing the narrative over commercial success. Studios are learning that bringing back iconic characters is more likely to succeed if there is a genuine artistic vision behind it, much like with sequels such as Deadpool 2 or Muppets Most Wanted. For Carrey, a return to The Mask would need to align with his current career interests.

Our Take On The Future Of The Mask Franchise

While Jim Carrey’s reluctance to return to The Mask without the right story is understandable, it’s clear that a well-crafted sequel could offer both creative growth for the actor and a nostalgic experience for viewers. His return to Stanley Ipkiss' character could be a bold move for Carrey, but only if it successfully balances the charm of the original film with renewed ideas. The key to making this sequel work may lie in finding a script that not only taps into the humor of the original but also explores fervent themes, ensuring that the film feels relevant for today’s audience.

Source: ComicBook.com