Jim Carrey could have been in another Christmas hit – but apparently dropped out because it “took too long to make”.
Carrey, 62, confirmed that if there was a chance of reprising his role as The Grinch, it would be the “one role” he’d love to revisit. However, he missed out on a different festive film that spent a decade in production.
Movie lovers are now catching on that Carrey was originally down for a part that ultimately went to another comedy great. Some speculate that if the movie had not been delayed and released in the mid-1990s as intended, Carrey would have been a shoo-in.
Yet, after seeing the final product, many of Carrey’s admirers think the switch was for the best. So what do you reckon?
Written with Carrey in mind back in 1993, Elf suffered through development hell until Carrey passed on it for other opportunities. The script underwent a transformation from its darker tone to the family-friendly hit starring Will Ferrell.
Fans are divided over who would have been the better Buddy the Elf, though they agree Carrey would have given the role a distinct edge. A Reddit user commented: “I’m a Jim Carrey fan, but I can’t imagine anyone other than Will Ferrell playing Buddy the Elf. Ferrell was the perfect blend of outrageous sincerity. Carrey, while talented, would’ve been too cartoon-y.”
One fan expressed: “I’d say it’s a difference between being goofy and wacky. Will Ferrell is goofy. He does a great job at playing a man-child. Jim Carrey is wacky. He does a great job with the over-the-top, crazy characters.”
Another added: “Me here thinking I might have actually watched it if it was Carrey.” Some fans are convinced that had the film been released in the 90s, Jim Carrey would have been the rightful star.
However, as comedy evolved during the years Elf was in development, Carrey no longer seemed to be the top pick for the role. One admirer proposed: “In 1993 Jim would have been perfect for the part. When it actually came out, Will Farrell was perfect for it. The world changes and I bet it would have been awesome either way.”
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