The Bizarre Tale of How a Canceled Jim Carrey Film Earned a Fan $5,000—And It’s Wild!

The 1990s were a time of bold contests, sweepstakes, and promotions—some of which promised grand prizes but ultimately left fans disappointed. Among the most memorable of these was a contest run by Nintendo Power in 1995, which promised a walk-on role in the sequel to The Mask, starring Jim Carrey. However, when the highly anticipated sequel never materialized, one fan from Maryland found himself walking away with a consolation prize worth $5,000—an unexpected twist that turned a Hollywood letdown into an unlikely payday.

The Mask II: A Sequel That Never Was

When The Mask (1994) became a surprise hit, grossing over $350 million on a modest budget, it was almost a foregone conclusion that a sequel would follow. The film catapulted Jim Carrey into superstardom, and New Line Cinema seemed eager to continue the story of Stanley Ipkiss and his mischievous magical mask. Alongside Carrey, director Chuck Russell had enjoyed success with the film, which led many to assume that The Mask II would quickly become a reality.

In October of 1995, as The Mask’s popularity soared, Nintendo Power, the gaming magazine from the iconic video game company, launched a sweepstakes to promote the Super Nintendo version of the game based on the film. The grand prize? A walk-on role in The Mask II. The prize seemed like a dream come true for fans of both the film and the game. Little did they know, the sequel was far from being greenlit.

By the time the contest ran, the film’s production had slowed to a halt as its stars and director found themselves busy with other projects. Jim Carrey, already busy with roles in Batman Forever and Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, had little interest in returning to the role that made him famous. Likewise, director Chuck Russell moved on to other ventures, including Eraser with Arnold Schwarzenegger. The dream of a Mask II was slipping away, but Nintendo Power’s contest had already been set in motion.

Nathan Runk’s Long Wait for a Sequel That Never Came

Enter Nathan Ryan Runk, a fan from Arbutus, Maryland, who won the Nintendo Power contest and was told that he had earned a role in The Mask II. However, as months went by and communication from Nintendo Power grew scarce, it became clear that a Mask II would not be coming anytime soon.

Runk kept in contact with Nintendo Power, staying hopeful for the movie’s release. In November 1996, he was officially informed that the sequel had been postponed indefinitely. His dream of appearing in a Jim Carrey movie was dashed, but the fine print in the contest’s terms and conditions offered a silver lining: he could opt for the $5,000 cash prize instead of waiting for the movie to materialize.

Runk wisely chose the cash, a decision that would ultimately pay off. In addition to the $5,000, he received some Super Nintendo games and, somewhat inexplicably, a crew jacket for The Mask II—a film that never actually went into production. While Runk’s receipt of the jacket remains a bit of a mystery (why would crew jackets be made for a film that was never made?), the cash prize was a solid consolation.

The Apology and the Rare Gesture of Corporate Honesty

In the pages of Nintendo Power’s final issue, the company made a rare apology for the failed contest. While they didn’t directly name Runk, the apology acknowledged the disappointment felt by contest winners. This gesture of accountability was a rare moment in the history of 1990s sweepstakes, which were often notorious for failing to deliver on promises.

Runk, however, was satisfied with his decision. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “They gave me the option to wait indefinitely or take the cash… I took the cash. Absolutely the right call!” It’s a sentiment many fans might agree with, especially considering the chaotic nature of The Mask II‘s development.

A Sequel That Wasn’t: “Son of the Mask” and the Legacy of The Mask II

In 2005, a Mask sequel did eventually arrive—Son of the Mask. However, this film, which starred Jamie Kennedy instead of Jim Carrey, was universally panned. With a dismal 6% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and little to no fan support, Son of the Mask failed to live up to the expectations set by its predecessor. For Runk, this was a bit of a relief; in hindsight, he felt his decision to take the cash was justified. After all, a Mask II starring Carrey would have been an entirely different experience.

Interestingly, the idea of a Mask sequel with Jim Carrey has resurfaced in recent years, with Carrey and Cameron Diaz hinting at the possibility of reprising their roles. If this dream project ever comes to fruition, Runk might find himself reconsidering his decision, although he still remains fond of the cash prize. After all, as Carrey’s character once famously said, “You can’t make the scene if you don’t have the green.”

Conclusion: A Tale of Hope, Disappointment, and Cash

Nathan Ryan Runk’s experience with the Mask II contest is a story that encapsulates the unpredictable nature of the 1990s sweepstakes era. While the promise of a movie role never materialized, it resulted in a unique form of consolation—a $5,000 prize that turned a Hollywood disappointment into a financial gain. And though the Mask sequel that Runk dreamed of never came to pass, his story is a reminder of the unexpected ways in which pop culture can leave an imprint on our lives, for better or worse.