Jim Carrey is known for his dedication to his roles, whether it involves undergoing disfiguring dental surgery or fully immersing himself in the persona of Andy Kaufman. However, one of the most extreme transformations Carrey ever undertook was for a film he never even appeared in.
The Three Stooges Reboot
In 2012, the Farrelly Brothers released a reboot of The Three Stooges, featuring Chris Diamantopoulos as Moe, Sean Hayes as Larry, and Will Sasso as Curly. The film also included Larry David as a cranky nun. Casting the film was a long and tumultuous process, with various high-profile actors considered for the iconic roles. Watch the trailer below:
Phil Hartman’s Dream Cast
Before the Farrelly Brothers took over the project, Phil Hartman was interested in making a Three Stooges film. He envisioned himself as Moe, with Jon Lovitz as Larry and Chris Farley as Curly. Although this casting never materialized, it set the stage for the Farrelly Brothers’ ambitious casting choices.
Farrelly Brothers’ Initial Choices
When the Farrelly Brothers took on the project, their initial picks were Benicio del Toro as Moe, Sean Penn as Larry, and Jim Carrey as Curly. While del Toro and Penn are not typically known for their comedic chops, the inclusion of Carrey seemed to promise an intriguing take on the beloved slapstick trio.
Jim Carrey’s Transformation
Jim Carrey committed to the role of Curly by gaining over 40 pounds. However, he later decided to leave the project, citing health concerns. Carrey explained to MTV that he was worried about the additional 30 to 40 pounds he felt he needed to gain to accurately portray Curly. “I don’t really want to do anything halfway,” Carrey said. “A fat suit doesn’t do it.”
Carrey also mentioned the potential health risks: “When you’re De Niro in your 20s or early 30s, you can kind of come back from that. It’s a tough thing to come back from when you’re upwards of 30. Your body can’t carry it, or you can have a cardiac arrest.”
The Fallout
Carrey’s sudden departure left the Farrelly Brothers in a lurch. Peter Farrelly told the Los Angeles Times, “We never heard from him… Now that would have been nice.” Sean Penn also exited the project, opting to focus on his charitable efforts in Haiti.
Alternative Cast Considerations
Following the departures of Carrey and Penn, the Farrelly Brothers considered other actors, including Andy Samberg for Larry and Johnny Knoxville for Moe, the latter described as “a real-life stooge.” Despite these exhaustive searches, the Farrellys never considered casting the stars of Full House.
Conclusion
Jim Carrey’s commitment to transforming himself for a role he ultimately didn’t play demonstrates his intense dedication as an actor. Although the 2012 The Three Stooges reboot featured different actors, Carrey’s story remains a fascinating chapter in the film’s history. His health-conscious decision serves as a reminder of the physical demands and risks actors often face in their pursuit of authenticity.