Rumors about casting in the MCU fly around the internet so fast that it can be incredibly hard to keep up. And a lot of the actors attached to them often deny the rumors. Well, at least until Disney makes an official announcement. A pretty massive rumor has been making the rounds recently. If it does turn out that Jim Carrey has been cast as the MCU’s version of MODOK, it could honestly be a game-changer.
As is often the case, opinions range drastically. Some people are all about it while others hate the idea. For the most part, the MCU’s casting has been on point. That being said, there have also been a few misses. We’re looking at you, Ancient One. But the potential for Jim Carrey to take this role and make it his own is incredibly high. Some of the haters have forgotten who the man is and how much talent he has to put to use.
Who is MODOK?
There have been a few iterations of MODOK over the years. The first and arguably best was George Tarleton. He was the son of Alvin Tarleton, the founder of Advanced Idea Mechanics. A low-level technician, George wasn’t amounting to much. He then underwent some severe mutagenic experiments. They turned him into the intellectually impressive and powerful MODOK. While the meaning of the M keeps changing, it was originally an acronym for Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing.
MODOK certainly lived up to his name. He killed off everyone involved in his creation and took control of AIM. Since then, he has been the group’s most consistent leader. What’s interesting about MODOK is that he’s been a major annoyance to heroes and villains alike. As many times as he’s pestered Captain America, Iron Man, and S.H.I.E.L.D., he has also annoyed Doctor Doom. The guy’s plans are always a priority.
The mutagenic process greatly enhanced his intelligence. MODOK is able to conceive strategies and plans so accurately that it’s almost like he can see the future. The downside is that the process destroyed his body. This left him confined to a heavily armed floating exoskeleton/chair. MODOK’s enhanced abilities also allow him to mind control people, create force fields, and generate powerful energy blasts. He is not to be taken lightly.
MODOK actually has his own animated series called M.O.D.O.K. currently on the air. It stars legendary comedian and epic geek Patton Oswalt as the voice of the main character. The series is an animated sitcom that delves into MODOK’s personal life as well as his work with AIM. It’s a funny show that’s likely a far cry from the version of MODOK who may appear in the MCU. That one will be dangerous.
Jim Carrey in the MCU
The current rumor floating around the internet is that another legendary comedian has signed on to play MODOK. This time it’s Jim Carrey, an award-winning actor and one of the biggest names in Hollywood. He has been quiet on the acting front for the last few years, instead focusing on other endeavors. But there have been a few roles that prove he has more than what it takes to portray a character like MODOK.
Carrey is no stranger to the world of comic books. One of his earliest, career-defining roles was as Stanley Ipkiss/The Mask in the 1994 comic book adaptation The Mask. The next year, he would join Batman’s rogue’s gallery as the Riddler in Batman Forever. The movie wasn’t great but Carrey played the part well. He also popped up in Kick-Ass 2 as Colonel Stars and Stripes, a violent role he disavowed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.
More recently, Carrey appeared in 2020’s live-action adaptation of the Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise. The first trailer garnered a lot of hate so the producers went back to the drawing board. In the end, the movie was actually quite good. Jim Carrey’s portrayal of the villainous Dr. Robotnik was a huge part of that. He was compelling, menacing, engaging, and, of course, funny. Dr. Robotnik will be making a comeback in the 2022 sequel.
Jim Carrey knows how to make larger-than-life characters relatable and enjoyable. However MODOK’s debut in the MCU plays out, having Carrey on board will help make it a success. MODOK is both dangerous and absurd at the same time. This is a difficult line that Carrey can walk. With AIM already in place in the MCU, a big part of the MODOK puzzle is already around. Whoever ends up playing the character, it’s just a matter of time until MODOK shows up.
