Jim Carrey’s ‘scary’ interaction with Morgan Freeman didn’t go as planned

Morgan Freeman is a Hollywood legend, known for his strong personality and an acting profession that spans many years.

While fans have long admired his work, some could also be surprised to learn that Freeman’s commanding aura may make those around him feel uneasy.

Freeman’s rise to fame began in 1978 with a Tony Award nomination, which led to his historic win as the fourth black actor to win an Oscar for best supporting actor. His roles have ranged from playing God in “Bruce Almighty” to a Civil War soldier in “Glory” and even a beloved character in PBS’s “The Electric Company.” As a Kennedy Center honoree, Freeman is indisputably amongst one of the best actors.

Freeman stands 6 feet 10 inches tall and has a commanding presence that belies his accomplishments, so it’s easy to see why some find him intimidating.

Comedian Jim Carrey, who starred opposite Freeman in Bruce Almighty, once recounted the effect Freeman’s aura had on him on the set.

In a 2003 BBC interview, Carrey recounted his first meeting with Freeman, saying“The first day I met Morgan, I walked up to him, shook his hand and said, ‘Hi, Morgan, this is so great, I’m so glad you’re in this movie.'”

“And he says, ‘Nice to meet you. Now, don’t ever touch me again. That’s just the way he is,'” Carrey said of Freeman. “He’s like a laser that goes straight to your soul.”

But Freeman’s influence wasn’t felt only by the “In Living Color” star. The film’s director, Tom Shadyac, also found Freeman’s intensity unsettling, Carrey said.

“He was really bullying Tom throughout the movie — you knew he was joking, but it was still so uncomfortable,” Carrey continued. “To me, he’s one of those guys that every actor is afraid of, because you go on screen with him and you have to be ready. Be ready or he’ll burn your soul.”

Despite the strain during their first meeting, the actors appear to have develop into close friends, and videos show they’d some funny moments on set.

“Bruce Almighty” tells the story of Bruce Nolan, a frustrated television reporter played by Carrey who feels he has not been blessed by God.

After a very bad day, Bruce vents his frustrations, prompting God — played by Freeman and his infamous voice — to grant him godlike powers to see if he can do higher. While Bruce initially uses his newfound abilities for selfish reasons, he ultimately learns helpful lessons about responsibility, humility, and the complexities of governing the world.

The movie was ticket office hit, earning nearly half a billion dollars during its seven months in theaters. Despite some tension on the set, Freeman later expressed interest in reprising his role within the sequel.

In a 2016 interview with Slash Film, Freeman he said“I think I would have to if they did it. If Jim Carrey was playing his character and I was called in, I would feel obligated.”

Unfortunately, a sequel will likely never be made.

Plans for a “Bruce Almighty 2” were abandoned following the disappointing performance of “Evan Almighty,” Shadyac’s 2007 film with an analogous concept and starring Steve Carrell.

According to screenwriters Steve Koren and Mark O’Keefe, they’d an idea for a sequel wherein Bruce would gain devil powers, they usually desired to call the project “Brucifer”.

If a sequel had happened, one can only guess whether Freeman would have taken on the role of Satan.