Skip to content

In the '90s, Hellboy screenwriter unveiled his work on a abandoned Lupin III script, with Jim Carrey initially attached for the anime classic's live-action adaptation.

Lupin III had a chance to be portrayed by Jim Carrey back in the '90s.

Jim Carrey came close to playing a role in a live-action adaptation of a renowned anime series,...
Jim Carrey came close to playing a role in a live-action adaptation of a renowned anime series, Lupin III, according to Hellboy scriptwriter's revelation of his work on a discarded script from the '90s.

In the '90s, Hellboy screenwriter unveiled his work on a abandoned Lupin III script, with Jim Carrey initially attached for the anime classic's live-action adaptation.

In the world of anime and manga adaptations, one project that never saw the light of day is the live-action adaptation of Lupin III, a classic series created by Monkey Punch. The screenplay, penned by Peter Briggs, was intended to star Jim Carrey as the titular master thief, Lupin III, with production set to be overseen by A. Kitman Ho and Hong Kong filmmaker Tsui Hark.

Originally conceived in 1997, the project aimed to bring the adventures of Lupin III, the grandson of Arsène Lupin from Maurice Leblanc's novels, to the big screen. The film was planned to blend action and possibly comedic elements, given Carrey’s comedic background and Tsui Hark's action film pedigree, which includes the Once Upon a Time in China series.

However, the project never materialized as the rights were lost before production could begin. Briggs, who is also known for penning the script for the 2004 movie Hellboy, described the screenplay as the "craziest" he had ever written, but did not provide any detailed plot specifics in his public comments.

While the script and concept remain unreleased and largely unknown to the public, the idea of a Western star like Carrey taking on the role of Lupin III sparked excitement among fans. The series is best known for its anime adaptations, with a Japanese live-action movie adaptation released in 2014, directed by Ryuhei Kitamura.

It's worth noting that the movie Hellboy (2004), which starred Ron Perlman as the titular character, has not been previously mentioned in the context of Lupin III. Briggs' involvement in both projects underscores his versatility as a screenwriter.

For those looking for new anime to watch, a guide to the best new anime still to come in 2025 is recommended. However, it's important to note that this guide is not related to the history or production of Lupin III or its adaptations.

[1] Kitman Ho, A. (Producer). (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005423/

[2] Briggs, P. (Writer). (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001824/

[3] Lupin III. (1967-1969). Manga series.

[4] Lupin III. (1971-present). Anime series.

[5] Lupin III (2014). (2014). Japanese live-action movie adaptation. Directed by Ryuhei Kitamura.

[6] The Castle of Cagliostro. (1979). Anime film. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

[7] Hellboy (2004). (2004). Movie directed by Guillermo del Toro. Starring Selma Blair, Jeffrey Tambor, and John Hurt.

[8] The scrapped live-action adaptation of Lupin III was never completed due to Alex Ho losing the rights to the series.

[9] Tsui Hark is a Vietnamese filmmaker known for directing movies like Double Team and Knock Off, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme.

[10] The guide to the best new anime still to come in 2025 is not related to Lupin III or its adaptations.

  1. Fans of Jim Carrey's comedic prowess might have been eager to see his take on Lupin III, a role initially intended for him in the shelved live-action adaptation of the classic series.
  2. The failed project, produced by A. Kitman Ho and Hong Kong filmmaker Tsui Hark, aimed to blend action and comedy, capitalizing on Carrey's comedic background and Tsui Hark's action film pedigree.
  3. The unreleased script, penned by Peter Briggs, was described as the "craziest" he had ever written, though specific plot details remain undisclosed.
  4. Despite not seeing the light of day, the concept of a Western star like Carrey in the role of Lupin III generated excitement among fans, who often associate the series with its anime adaptations.
  5. Those interested in new anime should check out a guide to the best new anime still to come in 2025, although it doesn't delve into the history or production of Lupin III or its adaptations.
  6. Tsui Hark, known for directing action films like Double Team and Knock Off, was set to oversee the production of the scrapped live-action adaptation of Lupin III in collaboration with Briggs, who was also the screenwriter for the 2004 movie Hellboy.

Read also:

    Latest