Jim Carrey has “mixed emotions” about The Batman’s Riddler

Riddle me this: what does one Riddler think of another Riddler’s riddles? The Batman has established itself as the first big hit movie of 2022, giving viewers a darker take on the World’s Greatest Detective that has clearly resonated with fans. The film features Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader facing off against some of the most iconic members of his vast rogues’ gallery, including the Penguin, the Riddler, Catwoman, and even the Joker in a newly released deleted scene.

Of particular note is the Riddler, who received a much darker, Zodiac Killer-inspired treatment for the movie. Played by Paul Dano, the Riddler is the film’s main antagonist and a foil to Batman as he unravels the web of corruption at the heart of Gotham City.

But before Dano, there was another big screen Riddler in town. Jim Carrey played the role in Joel Schumacher’s much campier 1995 movie Batman Forever, and while that movie may not be remembered as the greatest of the Bat films, there’s no denying that Carrey brought his all to the part.

Carrey is currently out promoting his new film Sonic the Hedgehog 2, where he is once again playing a comedic villain. Fans are curious to hear what he thinks of the new, very different big screen Riddler.

Jim Carrey has a “spot of worry” over The Batman’s depiction of The Riddler

While Carrey admitted to Unilad that he hasn’t actually seen The Batman yet, he does have some thoughts. “It’s a very dark version,” the actor said. “I have mixed emotions about it. To each his own and all that. I love [Paul Dano] as an actor, he’s a tremendous actor.”

"There’s a spot of worry in me over gaffer-taping people’s faces and encouraging people to do the same. Some sickos out there that might adopt that method."

On one level, it’s easy to argue against this. Lots of movies and shows depict violence, and no studies have credibly been able to link that violence to corresponding rises in real-world behavior. On the other hand, I’ll be the first to admit that the copycat Riddlers who showed up at the end of The Batman, taking on the villain’s mantle themselves after getting radicalized in a closed extremist group on social media, struck so close to home that it was a little uncomfortable.

“I do have a conscience about the things I choose,” Carrey continued. “Robotnik has cartoon bombs and no one gets hurt. I know there’s a place for it, and I don’t want to criticize it, but it’s not my kind of thing… it’s very well done, those movies are very well done.”

At the end of the day, you can’t fault Carrey for knowing what he wants to do. He famously denounced his involvement in Kick-Ass 2 shortly after the Sandyhook school shooting due to the level of violence in the film, and you have to credit him for sticking to his own personal code.

In the meantime, fans of grittier fare can still go see The Batman. And if watching a red Echidna voiced by Idris Elba beat stuff up with his spikey fists is more your jam, you can watch Sonic the Hedgehog 2. It’s a wonderful world with options for everyone.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 releases in theaters on April 8.

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