“Bruce Almighty” is a comedy that captivated audiences around the world with its unique blend of humor and fantasy. Released in 2003, the film features Jim Carrey in one of his most memorable performances as Bruce Nolan, a television journalist who gains the divine powers of God, played by Morgan Freeman. This work not only highlights Carrey’s comedic talent but also offers a refreshing perspective on issues of faith, responsibility, and the nature of power.
As Bruce tries to balance his new divine responsibilities with everyday life, the film presents a series of hilarious and thought-provoking situations that make us ponder the true meaning of power and happiness.
Get ready to dive into a series of fascinating trivia about “Bruce Almighty,” ranging from surprising behind-the-scenes facts to hidden details you might have never noticed.
1 – REAL PHONE NUMBER
During the initial theater release of the film, the phone number to contact God was operational in several states in the U.S., resulting in an avalanche of calls. To avoid future problems and overloading the lines, the producers decided to change the number to 555-0123 after the home video release, which was acquired by them.
2 – BASED ON A BOOK
The film’s screenplay was based on the book Almighty Me by Robert Bausch, published in 1991, the rights to which were acquired by Hollywood Films, a subsidiary of Disney. However, neither the book nor the author are mentioned in the credits of Bruce Almighty.
3 – FAMOUS MONKEY
The monkey featured in the scene has a more notable film career than many stars. He is famous for his role as Marcel in the TV series Friends, where he acted alongside Jennifer Aniston. Additionally, he was part of the cast of the thriller Outbreak and also appeared with Jim Carrey in the “Ace Ventura” movies.
4 – COMPLICATED FILMING
At the time, the media reported that the filming of “Bruce Almighty” was quite complicated. Jim Carrey’s chaotic and improvised working method led to some scenes requiring more than 50 takes.
At the same time, Jennifer Aniston was juggling a packed schedule, balancing the filming of “Friends” with the romantic comedy “Along Came Polly”, where she starred alongside Ben Stiller.
5 – MORGAN FREEMAN ALMOST DIDN’T PLAY GOD
Morgan Freeman as God made “Bruce Almighty” an iconic production, possibly one of the best casting choices for the film. However, initially, the executives considered Robert De Niro for the role, and Jack Nicholson was also considered.
6 – MORGAN FREEMAN DOESN’T BELIEVE IN GOD
In real life, Freeman is agnostic, meaning he believes it’s impossible to confirm the existence or non-existence of God. When presenting the documentary series The Story of God, the actor stated, “I think it was man who invented God. So, I believe in God because I think I am God.”
7 – THE NUMBER 7 IS REFERENCED MORE THAN YOU NOTICE
The number 7 is frequently referenced in Bruce Almighty. For example, Bruce’s apartment number is 304. If you add 3, 0, and 4, the total is 7.
8 – GOD AS A “REGULAR GUY”
By portraying God as a “regular guy”, the film was banned for several years in Egypt and Malaysia. The ban was only lifted after the film received an adult rating.
9 – JIM CARREY DIDN’T AGREE TO DO THE SEQUEL
Jim Carrey isn’t a big fan of doing sequels to his classics. Despite receiving $25 million for the film and it being his biggest commercial success, Jim Carrey declined the invitation to return to the role of Bruce. The sequel was then starred by Steve Carell but was a failure.
10 – A BIT ABOUT JIM CARREY
Jim Carrey was not born in the United States. The actor, who is now over 60 years old, is named James Eugene Carrey and is originally from Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. He only acquired American citizenship in 2004, ten years after his biggest hits: “The Mask”, “Dumb and Dumber”, and “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”.
Jim is the youngest of four children of Percy and Kathleen Carrey and the father of Jane Carrey. He had a fairly modest childhood, even living in a car with his family when his father lost his job and had to interrupt his studies at the age of 15.
11 – JIM CARREY IS ALSO A SCREENWRITER AND PAINTER
In addition to his skills in comedy and drama, Jim Carrey also works as a producer and screenwriter. However, his talents extend beyond the screen.
Passionate about the arts, he found painting and visual arts to be a way to overcome a severe depression. Since 2016, Carrey has been showcasing his works—which include cartoons, paintings, sculptures, and writings—in exhibitions around the world.
Recently, the actor also ventured into music, collaborating with The Weeknd on the album Dawn FM.
12 – BUDGET AND BOX OFFICE
The film had a somewhat hefty budget for a comedy: $81 million! But it was a tremendous success, earning an incredible $484 million worldwide.
“Bruce Almighty” is not just a comedy that entertains but also a film full of intriguing facts and details that enrich the viewing experience. From casting choices, such as Morgan Freeman’s iconic portrayal of God, to Jim Carrey’s unique filming methods, the movie reveals interesting behind-the-scenes elements that make it memorable.
The subtle references to the number 7 and the adaptation of a screenplay from an uncredited book highlight how the production involved a complex web of creative and logistical decisions. Moreover, the initial ban in countries like Egypt and Malaysia illustrates how film perceptions and receptions can vary widely around the world.
Jim Carrey, beyond his brilliant performance, has expanded his horizons into visual arts and music, proving that his talent extends far beyond comedy. In summary, “Bruce Almighty” is an example of how cinema can be a rich source of entertainment and curiosities, offering much more than just laughter.