Remember that Dumb and Dumber sequel we told you about a few months ago? Well, it’s apparently just been struck quite a serious blow, as Jim Carrey has reportedly bowed out of the project.

The hyperactive Hollywood actor, who starred in the original Dumb and Dumber back in 1994, has decided to move on from the film after New Line and Warner Bros. failed to show it much enthusiasm, according to ET Online.

"I would have thought Dumb and Dumber To (sic) was a no-brainer, after all it's implied in the title," said the actor in a statement.

Needless to say his non-involvement will have a massive impact on the film, assuming its makers still plan on pressing ahead and putting it into production. I mean, short of replacing Carrey, what option do they have? Making the sequel with just Jeff Daniels and scaling back the title to Dumb?

After all, Dumb and Dumberer, the terrible 2003 prequel which replaced Carrey and Daniels with Eric Christian Olsen and Derek Richardson, was universally panned when it was released. And other sequels to Carrey films made without the clownish thespian have been lacklustre at best; remember Son of the Mask, Evan Almighty or Ace Ventura Jr: Pet Detective?

Of course, there’s always the option of introducing a new character as Carrey’s replacement in the sequel. But this stratagem rarely works well. Compare Blues Brothers with Blues Brothers 2000, for instance. The first film is a delightful buddy comedy, while the other’s a flabby, largely charmless mess. Sorry, John Goodman, but it’s true.

And crucially, Carrey’s impeccable comic timing and inimitable screen persona were hugely important in making the first Dumb and Dumber such a joy. It was well written, yes, but I for one can’t imagine the film being as fondly remembered as it is had it featured a lesser performer than Carrey in its cast.

But what do you think? Can you imagine Dumb and Dumber 2 (or Dumb and Dumber To, to use Carrey’s spelling) without Lloyd Christmas? Are there any actors out there you think could step into Carrey’s shoes? Cast a vote in our poll and let us know your thoughts…