‘The Mask’ Was Supposed to Be a Horror Film, Says Chuck Russell:

Image from Variety

• According to Russell, New Line Cinema initially envisioned 'The Mask' as a horror flick, not the over-the-top comedic hit it became under Jim Carrey's manic performance.
• The 1994 film went on to launch the careers of both Carrey and co-star Cameron Diaz, cementing its status as a landmark moment in Hollywood history.