The Mask 3: Returns (2025) brings back the chaotic, cartoonish energy of the original The Mask (1994) while introducing a new protagonist and a darker twist to the story. Directed by Andy Muschietti, the film stars Dylan O’Brien as Max Carter, a struggling artist who stumbles upon the infamous Loki mask, unaware of its dangerous history.
The story begins with Max discovering the mask in an antique shop. Desperate to escape his mundane life, he puts it on, transforming into a manic, green-faced trickster with reality-bending powers. Initially, Max uses the mask to achieve fame and fortune, but he soon realizes that the mask has a mind of its own, pushing him toward increasingly destructive behavior.
Meanwhile, Loki (played by Bill Skarsgård) returns to Earth, seeking to reclaim his mask and unleash chaos on humanity. The film’s climax features a showdown between Max, who must learn to control the mask’s power, and Loki, who wants to use it to reshape the world in his image. The film balances slapstick humor with intense action, staying true to the franchise’s roots while exploring the mask’s darker mythology.
The production budget for The Mask 3: Returns is estimated at $120–150 million, with a significant portion allocated to CGI and visual effects to bring the mask’s zany antics to life. The film is projected to earn $500–700 million globally, driven by nostalgia for the original and the appeal of its fresh cast and darker tone. If successful, The Mask 3 could pave the way for a new era of the franchise.
