Jim Carrey once declared he would only return to acting if “angels bring some sort of script that’s written in gold ink.” Two years later, the actor is back in the spotlight, jokingly admitting that his comeback is motivated by a need for money.
In 2022, shortly before the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Carrey revealed his intention to take a break from acting. During an interview with Access Hollywood, he shared his criteria for returning to the industry.
“Well, I’m retiring. Yeah, probably. I’m being fairly serious,” Carrey said. “It depends. If the angels bring some sort of script that’s written in gold ink that says to me that it’s going to be really important for people to see, I might continue down the road, but I’m taking a break.”
He elaborated, “I really like my quiet life and I really like putting paint on canvas and I really love my spiritual life. I feel like—this is something you might never hear another celebrity say as long as time exists—I have enough. I’ve done enough. I am enough.”
Now, Carrey is reprising his role as Dr. Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which debuts in theaters next week.
“I came back to this universe because I get to play a genius, which is a bit of a stretch,” Carrey quipped during the film’s London premiere. “And you know, I bought a lot of stuff and I need the money, frankly.”
Reflecting on Retirement
When we asked Carrey about his previous statements regarding retirement, he laughed off the “script written in gold ink” comment as hyperbole. “That might’ve been hyperbole, yeah,” he said.
Jim Carrey in Sonic Franchise
In the months leading up to his temporary retirement, Carrey embarked on an extensive press tour to promote Sonic the Hedgehog 2. He also made headlines for his candid criticism of Hollywood during an appearance on CBS Mornings with Gayle King.
The Oscars Controversy
In March 2022, Carrey expressed his dismay at the standing ovation Will Smith received after slapping Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards.
“I was sickened. I was sickened by the standing ovation,” Carrey said. “I felt like Hollywood is just spineless en masse. It really felt like, ‘Oh, this is a really clear indication that we’re not the cool club anymore.'”
Carrey believed Smith should have been escorted out of the ceremony. He also criticized the audience for enabling the moment, which overshadowed the hard work of others.
“If I were Chris Rock, I’d have announced this morning that I was suing Will for $200 million,” Carrey stated, emphasizing the lasting impact of the incident. “That insult is going to last a very long time.”
Carrey dismissed the idea that the altercation “escalated,” attributing Smith’s actions to unresolved personal frustrations. “I wish him the best. I really do,” he said, but added that the moment was “selfish” and cast a shadow over the event.
Looking Ahead
Despite his reservations about Hollywood, Carrey’s return as Dr. Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has fans excited. The film is set to hit theaters on December 20.
