Jim Carrey did ‘Sonic 3’ because he “needs the money, frankly”
He returns as Dr. Robotnik in the new film, despite hinting at retirement in 2022
by Max Pilley · NMEJim Carrey has said that he decided to star in Sonic The Hedgehog 3 because he “needs the money, frankly”.
The latest instalment in the film adaptations of the Sega video game franchise is set for release in the UK on December 21, featuring Carrey’s return as the formerly-villainous Dr. Robotnik.
This film sees Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba) forge an unlikely alliance with Dr. Robotnik as they take on Keanu Reeves’ antagonist Shadow The Hedgehog.
Attending the UK premiere in London on Tuesday (December 10), Carrey was asked by Associated Press why he signed up for the film, after stating after Sonic The Hedgehog 2 in 2022 that he was considering retiring from acting.
“I came back to this universe because, first of all, I get to play a genius, which is a bit of a stretch,” he said. “And, you know, it’s just, I bought a lot of stuff and I need the money, frankly.”
Recommended
When pressed about his previous hints at retirement, he added: “That might have been hyperbole.”
Specifically, Carrey told Access Hollywood in 2022: “Well, I’m retiring. Yeah, probably. I’m being fairly serious. 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.”
The actor went on: “I really like my quiet life and I really like putting paint on canvas, 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.”
In a three-star review of Sonic 2, NME wrote: “Sonic 2 is certainly a fan-pleaser and comes pre-loaded with a post-credits scene that hints at more action (and more game throwbacks) to come. Who remembers that dodgy first design now?”
Elsewhere, Carrey’s birthday celebrations last January went viral, with a guest list of Hollywood A-listers, including Adam Sandler, Jimmy Kimmel and Bill Burr.