Stanley Ipkiss/ The Mask, the mild-mannered cartoon nut who acquired supernatural abilities after donning an enchanted mask in The Mask, is one of Jim Carrey’s most recognizable characters from his early to mid-’90s.
In the 1994 film, which also starred Cameron Diaz and Peter Greene, Carrey literally transformed with the help of some incredibly 1990s special effects. Furthermore, considering how long ago The Mask first appeared in theaters, he would seem to be the ideal candidate for a sequel.
However, why is it taking so long? Is it because the legendary comedian actor does not seem to want to play the role again? Or is it because the movie’s actress, Cameron Diaz, retired from acting to devote herself to her family after appearing in three successful movies in 2014—The Other Woman, S*x Tape, and Annie?
In a previous interview, Carrey did not entirely deny the possibility of doing The Mask 2, though he shared a specific condition. Well, take note that his condition has nothing to do with Diaz’s acting comeback.
Jim Carrey’s Only Condition To Only Appear In The Mask 2
Jim Carrey played the title role in The Mask, a hit Chuck Russell movie in 1994. Since the film’s release, fans have been demanding a sequel.
In a January 2020 interview with ComicBook, Carrey was asked if he would ever do a sequel to The Mask. The actor first expressed his general dislike for sequels, remarking:
“I don’t think in terms of sequels and stuff like that. I mean, this one [‘Sonic The Hedgehog’] is kind of right for it because we have not evolved the character [Dr. Eggman] fully yet.”
In the past, Carrey had occasionally been averse to doing sequels, but lately, he has become more receptive to the idea. And, the actor continued by saying that whether he would be interested in returning for The Mask 2 depended on the director:
“The Mask I think, myself, you know, it would depend on a filmmaker. It depends on the filmmaker really. I don’t want to do it just to do it. But I would only do it if it was some crazy visionary filmmaker. Sure.”
Who could that brilliant director possibly be?
The first film, which was helmed by Chuck Russell, was released in 1994. Despite having a modest budget of $18–$23 million, it was a huge box office success, taking in $351 million worldwide. Then, Son of the Mask, a sequel/spin-off in which Jim Carrey did not star, came in 2005. With only $59.9 million in revenue, it was critically panned and a box office disaster.
Read more: ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ is Not the Only Iconic Movie Johnny Depp Has Stolen From Jim Carrey
Will Cameron Diaz Make Her Comeback?
Cameron Diaz left acting in 2014 after starring in three highly successful movies: The Other Woman, S*x Tape, and Annie. Later, when asked if she intended to return to acting in a 2021 interview with Bruce Bozzi during the segment Quarantined with Bruce, she explained her reasons for quitting by stating:
“I’m never going to say never about anything in life. I’m just not that person. So will I ever make a movie again? I’m not looking to. But will I? I don’t know. I have no idea.”
However, It was revealed in June 2022 that Diaz would make a comeback to acting by joining Jamie Foxx (in their first collaboration since Annie) in the Netflix action comedy Back in Action.
On The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon last year, the actress’ appearance dazzled the audience. The host asked Diaz if she was nervous or excited to begin shooting the Netflix movie, and she responded:
“I am both. It’s a little bit of muscle memory, you know what I mean? I did that for so long, it’s kind of like the process — I just fell back into it. But it feels a little bit different. And I’ve also made two movies with Jamie Foxx, which is amazing.”
Since the actress is willing to make a comeback, we can anticipate her reprising her role in a potential The Mask 2 since Jim Carrey has already revealed his one requirement for returning to the superhero comedy film.
Meanwhile, you can steam The Mask on Max.
Source- ComicBook
