SUMMARY
  • Jim Carrey says he’ll return to 'The Mask' only on one condition.
  • Yes, a sequel to 'The Mask' might happen if Carrey likes the story.
  • Carrey's 'retirement' didn’t last long—he’s back to acting!

For fans of the 1994 classic The Mask, there’s been a question hanging in the air for years: Will Jim Carrey ever put the green face back on for a sequel? It’s a question that’s kept people guessing ever since the movie became a massive hit. 

The 1994 comedy classic, with its insane special effects and wacky antics became an instant cult hit. And who could forget Carrey’s outrageous green face and rubber-faced antics? Fast forward to today, and fans have been waiting for the inevitable comeback of the character, Stanley Ipkiss, that made Carrey a household name.

Jim Carrey in The Mask
Jim Carrey in The Mask (Credits: New Line Cinema)

Well, it seems like the actor might just be open to it, but there’s a catch. So, the idea of another Mask movie isn’t out of the question, but only if the team behind it can come up with something that feels right.

The idea of a sequel has popped up several times over the years, but Carrey’s return has always been the key factor. So, could we finally see the green mask again on the big screen? Let’s break it down and see if The Mask 2 is a real possibility.

Only the right script can bring Jim Carrey back to The Mask

Jim Carrey as Stanley Ipkissin The Mask
Jim Carrey as Stanley Ipkissin The Mask (Credits: New Line Cinema)

Well, when it comes to something as iconic as The Mask, you can’t just throw together a story and expect it to work. The first movie was a massive success, grossing over $351.58 (per Box Office Mojo) million worldwide, and it’s a major part of why Jim Carrey became such a big star.

But it also set a very high bar, and Carrey knows that. Moreover, the Hollywood star isn’t a fan of just cashing in on nostalgia. He’s been there, done that, and the man’s been around long enough to know a good script from a bad one.

And if we’re being real, a bad script is the last thing The Mask needs. In a recent interview with comicbook.comCarrey said he’s open to returning to The Mask if the right idea comes along. But he doesn’t want to do it just for the money or the fame. The seasoned actor explained: 

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. 

He’s all about passion projects now, and honestly, who can blame him? After decades of comedies, dramas, and mind-bending performances, Carrey deserves to choose his next project with care.

Could The Mask sequel finally happen with Jim Carrey?

The idea of a Mask sequel has been tossed around for years, but it’s always been clear that a sequel without Jim Carrey just wouldn’t work. Remember Son of the Mask? It was released in 2005, and it was supposed to be the next big thing.

But it was a total disaster. It didn’t have Carrey, it didn’t have the same fun energy, and it just didn’t work. The movie had a completely different lead actor (Jamie Kennedy), and instead of keeping the spirit of the original, it tried to do something totally different—and not in a good way. 

Jamie Kennedy's Son of The Mask
Jamie Kennedy’s Son of The Mask (Credits: New Line Cinema)

Son of the Mask was a huge flop, both with critics and at the box office. It scored a dismal 6% on Rotten Tomatoes and made only $60 million worldwide (per Box Office Mojo), which was a big disappointment for everyone involved.

After that, the idea of a Mask sequel basically fizzled out. There was no way the franchise could continue without Carrey, and for good reason. Fans loved his zany, over-the-top performance, and without him, it just wouldn’t feel right.

So, Hollywood put the idea on the back burner for a while. But now, with Hollywood going full steam ahead on nostalgia-fueled reboots and sequels (Top Gun 2, Indiana Jones 5, etc.), could The Mask be next?

Well, it’s possible. With Carrey showing some interest, the stars may finally be aligning. There’s no denying that fans are still hungry for the zany, cartoonish chaos of the Mask world.

And hey, if Hollywood’s learned anything, it’s that nostalgia can bring in the big bucks—if they do it right. It’s clear that The Mask needs Carrey’s unique energy to truly work. A sequel without him is pretty much a no-go, and Carrey knows that too.

Jim Carrey returns to acting (but not done with retirement)

Jim Carrey as Dr. Eggman in Sonic the Hedgehog
Jim Carrey as Dr. Eggman in Sonic the Hedgehog (Credits: Paramount Pictures)

Surprise, surprise—Jim Carrey’s not done acting yet. Despite announcing his retirement from acting in 2022, the man who gave us iconic performances in Ace VenturaThe Truman Show, and Liar Liar is coming back to the big screen in a big way.

He’s back in action with a role in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, reprising his role as the mustache-twirling villain Dr. Robotnik. When asked by Associated Press why he came out of retirement, Carrey joked: 

I came back to this universe because, first of all, I get to play a genius, which is a bit of a stretch. And, you know, it’s just… I bought a lot of stuff and I need the money, frankly. Yeah,

The 62-year-old’s love for acting hasn’t completely evaporated. And while he may have joked about retirement, it’s clear the man’s still got a lot to offer. And he’s not just returning to Sonic. Carrey is also lined up to star in Evergreen Pines and the Fading Summer, a project directed by David Robert Mitchell.

This return to acting could be a sign that Carrey is open to doing more roles in the future, and maybe even revisiting his iconic Mask character. If a Mask sequel comes his way, it wouldn’t be the first time he’s come out of retirement for the right role. If Carrey’s having fun and the script is right, there’s a chance we could see the green mask once again.

The Mask is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video!

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