Plans to film a sequel to the 1994 box-office hit "The Mask" will likely go forward without the original film's star Jim Carrey, Variety reports.

Although the original adaptation of the Dark Horse comic book -- about a mild-mannered man endowed with manic powers when he dons an ancient mask -- grossed $120 million, Variety said New Line, the studio producing the sequel, has lately been focusing on projects in the $10 million to $50 million range.

Carrey's current salary -- reportedly $20 million per picture and climbing -- would eat up the lion's share of that budget, so "The Mask 2" will almost certainly go forward with someone else in the lead role.

Screenwriter Lance Khazei ("Romantic Comedy") has been tapped to write the screenplay, but no actor or director has been named for the project, Variety said.


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