Jim Carrey clarifies old comment on retirement amid his return for 'Sonic 3': 'Things tend to change'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jim Carrey sent shockwaves through Hollywood back in 2022 when he announced he was stepping away from acting while promoting 'Sonic the Hedgehog 2'.

But as with many things in in show business, the comedian had a change of heart, returning to 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' as Dr Robotnik. This has led many to question about what prompted him to reconsider his retirement decision, and Carrey is finally clearing the air on the subject. 

Jim Carrey said he had 'done enough' in entertainment industry

In 2022, as Variety reported, Jim Carrey expressed his intention to take a step back, saying, "Well, I’m retiring. Yeah, probably. I’m being fairly serious."

He added back then, "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."

"I really like my quiet life and I really like putting paint on canvas and I really love my spiritual life and I feel like — and 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," 'The Mask' actor asserted. 

The statement, as reported by Access Hollywood, felt definitive, leading fans to speculate whether they’d seen the last of him on screen.

Jim Carrey says retirement announcement 'might have been a hyperbole'

Fast-forward to 2024, and Jim Carrey’s narrative around retirement has shifted.

Speaking at the 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' London premiere on December 10, he offered a more nuanced perspective on his earlier remarks.

"That might have been hyperbole," he admitted, with his trademark mix of humor and candor. "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," joked Carrey. 

The 62-year-old elaborated further in a statement to Deadline, explaining, "You can't be definite about these things. Because as soon as a good idea comes your way, or a group of people you really enjoy working with, things tend to change."

For Carrey fans, this is welcome news.

Jim Carrey's recent career, from indie films to 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3'

Jim Carrey fans know the drill—when it comes to acting, the comedy legend likes to take his time.

After a six-year gap, Carrey made his big-screen return in 2020 with 'Sonic the Hedgehog', his first major studio role since the 2014 sequel 'Dumb and Dumber To'.

During that downtime, the actor dabbled in smaller projects, including indie films like 'The Bad Batch' and 'Dark Crimes'.

His latest film, 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3', set to hit theaters on December 20, promises to bring more action, humor, and nostalgia as Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles face off against Shadow the Hedgehog.

In an unexpected twist, the trio must form an alliance with Carrey’s Dr Robotnik, adding an intriguing layer to the storyline.

Carrey has also hinted at revisiting past roles that hold a special place in fans’ hearts.

In a recent interview with ComicBook, he shared his openness to reprising his role in 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' and even floated the idea of a sequel to 'The Mask'.