Kick-Ass 2 director Jeff Wadlow is defending the film after Jim Carrey refused to promote it because of the level of violence.
Carrey, who plays Colonel Stars and Stripes in the sequel, said his feelings toward the film changed after the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.
“I did Kickass a month b4 Sandy Hook and now in all good conscience I cannot support that level of violence,” Carey tweeted. He apologized to the other people involved in the film and said that, while he wasn’t ashamed of it, the shooting “caused a change” in his heart.
Waldof said Carrey is as unpredictable in real life as he is as an actor. He told The Associated Press, “You never know what he is going to do or say.” He also said he hoped people would see the film and judge for themselves.
Showing that there were no hard feelings, Wadlow complimented Carrey and said that he was “fantastic in the movie.” He also said he would work with him again.
While Jeff Wadlow didn’t hold Jim Carrey’s comments against him, industry sources said the 51-year-old may have violated his contract by speaking out against the film.
“At a minimum, an actor contract would provide that the talent could not do publicity without studio approval and there is generally a non-disparagement provision as well,” said Gary Michael Waters, executive producer of Only God Forgives. Waters also said that studios and financiers almost always require the key actors to do a certain amount of publicity for the film.
Publicist Ronn Torossian, CEO of 5WPR, said Carrey’s commentary was likely to hurt the film .
“From a brand standpoint, one may wonder why he appears in a movie which he is against,” Torossian said. He added that it was “rather hypocritical” for Carrey to take a paycheck for the film, but withdraw his support.
“This may lead others in the film business to reconsider casting Carrey,” he said. “Sometimes silence is golden.”
What do you think of Jim Carrey’s comments? Do you think they will hurt his future roles?