Unraveling the Mystery: The Untold Story Behind the Abandoned Sequel to There's Something About Mary

Peter Farrelly, the writer and director of the 1998 romantic comedy There’s Something About Mary, recently shared why a sequel to the film never materialized. The movie follows the story of a man reuniting with his high school crush, despite a disastrous date they had in the past. The star-studded cast included Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, and Ben Stiller.

Years later, Farrelly revealed that although the studio considered a sequel for There’s Something About Mary, he and his brother Bobby, who co-directed the film, felt that the story had reached its natural conclusion. They had a bold idea for the sequel involving a shocking revelation about Mary's past, but the studio executives did not approve of it. As a result, the project was ultimately shelved. Farrelly discussed the situation in a recent interview with Comicbook.com.

The Legacy of There’s Something About Mary

You know, Dumb & Dumber was the one, like you could do ten Dumb and Dumber s, honestly, and I really enjoyed Dumb & Dumber 2 -- the one that we did. And I love those two guys, so...bring it back. Something About Mary, when it came out they did talk about a sequel -- the studio -- and honestly we were like, 'It ended, that's the thing.'

There's Something About Mary Ben Stiller screaming during zipper scene - The Legacy of There’s Something About Mary

While a sequel to There’s Something About Mary never happened, the film played a key role in launching the careers of many involved. It has since become a beloved '90s classic and was a significant milestone in Diaz’s rise to fame as a comedic actress. Before her breakout role in Mary, Diaz had her first acting gig in The Mask in 1994, followed by appearances in smaller films. Following the success of There’s Something About Mary, Diaz took on various memorable roles in movies like Being John Malkovich, Charlie’s Angels, Vanilla Sky, and as the voice of Princess Fiona in Shrek.

Stiller’s career received a boost from his role in There’s Something About Mary. Despite having more roles before the film than Diaz, his performance in There’s Something About Mary propelled him to new heights. Following his time on the set of the beloved 1998 film, he went on to star in some of his most memorable roles, such as in Meet the Parents, Zoolander, and The Royal Tenenbaums.

The success of There’s Something About Mary was a turning point for its directors. While their 1994 film Dumb and Dumber showcased the Farrellys’ talent for comedy, it was There’s Something About Mary that solidified their reputation in the romantic comedy genre. This newfound skill would be evident in their future works, like Shallow Hal and Fever Pitch. Despite the absence of a sequel, There’s Something About Mary had a lasting impact on everyone involved in the film.

There's Something About Mary is available to stream on Starz.

Source: Comicbook.com

Editor's P/S:

The article reveals the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of the beloved 1998 romantic comedy "There's Something About Mary." While a sequel never materialized due to the filmmakers' belief that the story had reached a natural conclusion, the film's legacy remains strong. It played a pivotal role in launching the careers of Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, and Ben Stiller, and solidified the reputation of directors Peter and Bobby Farrelly as masters of the romantic comedy genre.

The film's enduring popularity is a testament to its clever writing, memorable characters, and timeless appeal. Fans of the original will likely feel a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the insights provided into its creation. The article also highlights the importance of creative integrity in filmmaking, as the Farrellys refused to compromise their vision for the sake of a sequel. Ultimately, "There's Something About Mary" remains a classic that continues to entertain and inspire audiences.