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The Mask (1994 film)

The Mask is a 1994 American superhero comedy film directed by Chuck Russell and based on the comic book series by John Arcudi and Doug Mahnke.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Mask is a 1994 American superhero comedy film directed by Chuck Russell and based on the comic book series by John Arcudi and Doug Mahnke. It stars Jim Carrey as Stanley Ipkiss, a bank clerk who finds a magical mask that transforms him into the mischievous title character, with Cameron Diaz in her film debut. The film was a box-office success and became the first entry in The Mask franchise.

Plot

The film follows Stanley Ipkiss, a shy bank employee who discovers a magical mask that gives him cartoon-like powers and a reckless alter ego. His transformation draws him into conflict with criminal figures in Edge City while also bringing him closer to Tina Carlyle.

Cast

The principal cast includes Jim Carrey as Stanley Ipkiss / The Mask, Cameron Diaz as Tina Carlyle, Peter Greene as Dorian Tyrell, Peter Riegert as Lieutenant Mitch Kellaway, Amy Yasbeck as Peggy Brandt, and Richard Jeni as Charlie Schumaker.

Production and release

The Mask was directed by Chuck Russell and released in 1994. It was adapted from the Dark Horse comic series and became notable for its visual effects and for launching Cameron Diaz’s screen career.

Franchise and sequel

The film is the first entry in The Mask franchise. A sequel, Son of the Mask, was released in 2005, but it did not continue the original film’s cast or tone in the same way.

Key facts

  • Jim Carrey plays Stanley Ipkiss, who becomes The Mask after finding a magical mask.
  • Cameron Diaz made her film debut as Tina Carlyle.
  • The film is loosely based on a comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics.
  • Chuck Russell directed the film from a screenplay by Mike Werb and others.
  • The Mask launched a franchise that later included a sequel and other spin-off adaptations.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed in Canada and remains familiar to Canadian audiences as a widely known 1990s Hollywood comedy starring Jim Carrey, a Canadian actor.

Frequently asked questions

Who stars in The Mask?
Jim Carrey stars as Stanley Ipkiss / The Mask, with Cameron Diaz, Peter Greene, Peter Riegert, Amy Yasbeck, and Richard Jeni in major supporting roles.
What is The Mask about?
It is about a shy bank clerk who finds a magical mask that transforms him into a wild, shapeshifting alter ego and pulls him into conflict with criminals in Edge City.
The Mask cast
The main cast includes Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, Peter Greene, Peter Riegert, Amy Yasbeck, Richard Jeni, Orestes Matacena, and Ben Stein.
The Mask 1994
The Mask is a 1994 American superhero comedy film directed by Chuck Russell and based on the Dark Horse comic series of the same name.
The Mask sequel
The official sequel is Son of the Mask, released in 2005.
The Mask Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey plays Stanley Ipkiss, the central character who becomes The Mask after discovering the magical mask.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mask_(1994_film)
    Supports: Director, release year, cast, and basic film description.
  2. People — https://people.com/the-mask-cast-where-are-they-now-8684119
    Supports: Plot summary, Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz roles, and cast context.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1053779-mask
    Supports: Plot synopsis and character names.