The Shocking Truth Behind His Decision [WATCH]

Jim Carrey, the well-known actor and comedian, has officially returned to the big screen, reprising his role as Dr. Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

The film, set to release in theaters on December 20, marks Carrey’s return to acting after he announced his retirement in 2022.

In an interview promoting the second Sonic film in March 2022, Carrey told Access Hollywood that he was stepping away from acting, explaining he was content with his accomplishments and preferred a quieter life.

Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

“Well, I’m retiring. Yeah, probably. I’m being fairly serious,” Carrey said at the time. “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.”

Carrey elaborated on his decision, emphasizing his satisfaction with his career and his focus on personal pursuits. “I really like my quiet life and I really like putting paint on canvas and I really love my spiritual life. I have enough. I’ve done enough. I am enough,” he said.

Now, nearly two years later, Carrey is back in action, but his reasons for returning are notably less idealistic.

During the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 premiere in London on Tuesday, Carrey joked about his motivations for reprising the role of Dr. Robotnik.

“I came back to this universe because I get to play a genius, which is a bit of a stretch. And you know, I bought a lot of stuff and I need the money, frankly,” Carrey quipped.

Jim Carrey explains his return to playing Dr. Robotnik in “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”: “I bought a lot of stuff and I need the money, frankly.” pic.twitter.com/pIFJPuAyRM

— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) December 10, 2024

When reminded of his earlier statement about returning only for a “script written in gold ink by angels,” Carrey admitted, “That might’ve been hyperbole, yeah,” while laughing.

Prior to his acting hiatus, Carrey made headlines for his sharp critique of Hollywood following the 94th Academy Awards in 2022. During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Carrey expressed disapproval over the standing ovation given to Will Smith after Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock during the ceremony.

“I was sickened. I was sickened by the standing ovation,” Carrey told Gayle King. “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 argued that Smith’s actions overshadowed the evening and disrespected others who had worked hard for their moment in the spotlight.

“It cast a pall over everybody’s shining moment last night,” Carrey said. “A lot of people worked really hard to get to that place and to have their moment in the sun and to get their award for the really hard work they did.”

Carrey also criticized Rock’s decision not to press charges, stating, “I’d have announced this morning that I was suing Will for $200 million because that video was going to be there forever.”

Carrey’s return to the Sonic franchise brings him back to the character that has become a fan favorite.

The third installment in the Sonic series is scheduled to premiere on December 20, and audiences will once again see Carrey’s take on the eccentric and villainous Dr. Robotnik.

While Carrey’s return may not have been guided by scripts “written in gold ink,” fans of his work will likely be eager to see him back in action on the silver screen.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.