14 DAY TRIAL // “Evan Almighty,” a spinoff on Jim Carrey's blockbuster “Bruce Almighty,” was one of the biggest flops of all times but that's not stopping Universal from giving the idea another spin. A direct sequel is now in the works.
“Bruce,” released in 2003, was one of the last films with which Carrey enjoyed massive international success, so it makes sense to try and revive those days of glory with a direct sequel.
Universal has already hired screenwriters for the project – and they're working with Carrey's old character in mind, Variety reports.
In other words, the movie studio wants to revive the film and turn it into a franchise with the comedian on board, steering the ship.
“Universal wants to bring back 'Bruce Almighty.' The studio is in talks with the scripting team of Jarrad Paul and Andrew Mogel ('Hot Tub Time Machine,' 'Yes Man') to write a followup to the 2003 hit 'Bruce Almighty',” Variety informs.
“Project's being developed as a starring vehicle with 'Bruce Almighty' star Jim Carrey in mind,” says the movie-oriented publication.
“Carrey starred as TV reporter given the chance to be God for a week after complaining to God about rival co-worker, portrayed by Steve Carell, being promoted to the anchor slot,” Variety says.
The sequel to “Bruce,” “Evan Almighty,” released 4 years later, took over from Carrey and featured Carell's character being told by God he must build an ark like Noah's.
Whereas “Bruce” made over $500 million (€390.8 million) at the international box-office, “Evan” had a tally of just $175 million (€136.8 million).
This in itself wouldn't be so bad if it didn't have a budget estimated at $250 million (€195.4 million) including marketing costs, which literally made it, at the time, the most expensive comedy ever made.
At the same time, it also made it the most expensive comedy flop in cinema history.
Hopefully, a direct sequel will not be a repeat of the performance of the loose spinoff.