During press for “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” Jim Carrey hinted that he would be open to sequels of some of his earlier films. It looks like that wasn’t just idle speculation. The mega-star, who quietly led “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” to over $185 million worldwide, is returning to the well for arguably his most beloved role, Lloyd Christmas, with a sequel to “Dumb and Dumber.” The Farrelly Brothers will be returning to direct, and Jeff Daniels is apparently being sought to return as well. Daniels, mind you, is 56, and Carrey is 49. So apparently it will be a tragedy about two sadly aging mentally retarded friends, because it’s increasingly apparent that Carrey has lost whatever mojo he had.
The Farrellys, who have “The Three Stooges” being released next April, co-wrote the original film, but this time scripting duties will fall to ‘Popper’s’ writers Sean Anders and John Morris. The “Sex Drive” duo directed Adam Sandler‘s next film, “I Hate You, Dad,” and their script would, in theory, go into production as soon as Carrey and Daniels’ schedules open up. Carrey has no shortage of potential projects, but is increasingly non-committal about most of them, and his only likely project is “Burt Wonderstone,” a collaboration with Steve Carell.
The original “Dumb and Dumber” grossed $247 million worldwide back in 1994. New Line wanted a sequel, but when the participants couldn’t agree on contract terms, “Dumber and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd” happened. That prequel, featuring a younger cast, brought in only $39 million globally, and all parties involved pretend it doesn’t exist. All of this is likely a bad omen for “The Three Stooges,” as that was the Farrellys’ dream project, beset by delays and questionable casting choices. If the film were looking promising, would the Farrellys’ consider this desperate Hail Mary? Of course, it could be good, and perhaps the duo think it’s more of a commercial departure. But to suggest these guys would be re-inventing their style coming off “The Heartbreak Kid” and “Hall Pass” is being pretty damn optimistic.
