TROUBLE CITY

‘the Mask’ Creator Says He Has an Idea for a Female-Driven Reboot

Articles, Pop CultureBrandon MarcusComment
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It’s been a long, long time since Jim Carrey wowed audiences in The Mask. It’s been almost 25 years in fact. Damn, time goes by quickly.

The Mask was a crazy big hit but it never spawned a sequel. Yes, I know it DID actually get a sequel, 2005’s Son of the Mask, but I’d rather not talk about that and pretend it never happened. So much time has gone by that fans of the film have assumed they’ll never get a follow-up. Right?

Well, not so fast. While nothing is written in stone, Mask creator Mike Richardson told Forbes that he’s got an idea for a reboot. Not only does he have an idea but he has a particular actress in mind to lead the film.

I’d like to see a really good physical comedian [in the role]. I have one in mind, but I’m not gonna say her name. We have to do a lot of convincing for this particular actor, but we’ll see ... You never know what’s coming in the future. We have some ideas.
— Mike Richardson

You read that right, Richardson wants a woman to take on the central character and he’s apparently laser-focused on a certain actress. I have no idea who he’s talking about but it sounds like it’s a big name since he said it’ll take a lot of convincing. Don’t sell yourself short, Mr. Richardson. Maybe Charlize Theron or Melissa McCarthy or whoever you’re thinking of is a huge fan of the Carrey original and wouldn’t require much coaxing!

Of all the possible projects in the universe, I’m actually quite okay with a Mask reboot. While many people enjoyed the first film, it doesn’t have the sort of rabid fan base that would get riled up by a remake, reboot or sequel. It feels like everyone is both appreciative but not fanatical about the property. So, sure, give it a shot. I’ll watch another Mask film. It feels harmless. Plus the world of comedy (and special effects) has changed a lot since the mid-90s. If a reboot did get made it would likely be very different than Carrey’s film. And that’s okay!

Richardson later went on to tell Forbes that he’s interested in a much darker Mask story. That actually lines up fairly well with the original Dark Horse comic. It wasn’t a light-hearted, silly affair like the movie. It was quite violent and brutal. Now try to tell me that people wouldn’t want a gritty Mask film. You and I both know there is an audience for that. There’s always an audience for gritty.

Don’t expect this desired Mask reboot anytime soon. But if and when it DOES happen, be prepared for a very famous female star to lead it. Sorry, Mr. Carrey.




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