Carrey, 62, has been a comedy staple for many years, having starred in flicks such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Liar Liar, Dumb and Dumber, The Truman Show and The Mask.

His catalogue of films ensured that he’d rack up a great deal of wealth, amounting to $300 million, which is more than enough to lead a cushty lifestyle.

But he began to slow down his work before making a shock announcement.

In fact, Sonic the Hedgehog was his first role in a major studio film since his role in Dumb and Dumber To in 2014.

After reprising his role as Dr Robotnik, he said in 2022 to Access Hollywood during the press tour: “Well, I’m retiring. Yeah, probably. I’m being fairly serious.”

He added: “It depends. If the angels bring some sort of script that’s written in gold ink that says to me that it’s going to be really important for people to see, I might continue down the road, but I’m taking a break.

“I really like my quiet life and I really like putting paint on canvas and I really love my spiritual life and I feel like —and this is something you might never hear another celebrity say as long as time exists — I have enough.

“I’ve done enough. I am enough.”

But amazingly, he’s admitted that just two years after stating his intentions to leave the industry that he’s planning on picking up another Sonic film.

Once again, he is set to star in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, alongside Idris Elba, Keanu Reeves, Ben Schwartz, Krysten Ritter, and James Marsden.

As for why Carrey has done a major U turn, particularly as he claimed he would only return for a script written in gold ink, he said: “That might’ve been hyperbole, yeah.

“I came back to this universe because I get to play a genius, which is a bit of a stretch. And you know, I bought a lot of stuff and I need the money, frankly.”

Carrey quickly added: “At the same time, it had heart, and that’s why I did it the first time. There was something beautiful about the heart of the piece.”

Carrey is set to reprise his role again in Sonic (Paramount Pictures)

Unfortunately, it appears that Carrey’s current financial situation is lending its hand to his choice to come out of retirement.

Having bought ‘a lot of stuff’, perhaps his fortune was slowly purged and now he needs to work again to live comfortably.

According to Realtor.com, he’s still waiting for a pay out for selling his Los Angeles mansion, which has seen continuous price slashes as he tries to sell it.

It was listed in February 2023 for $28.9 million, but over a year and a half later, it’s whittled down to $19 million.

When he first listed his home for sale, he told The New York Post that he was looking forward to a change.

He said: “For three decades it’s been a sanctuary for me, but I don’t spend a lot of time there now and I want someone else to enjoy it like I have.”

It has been reported that he enjoys traveling and living in other locations where he has homes, such as in Maui.

These are expenses which could have contributed to him losing his wealth.

Hopefully his new film allows him to retire in peace.