 Originally conceived as a direct sequel to  _Bruce Almighty (2003)_ (qv) with Jim Carrey (qv) reprising his  role from the original. Robert Florsheim (II) (qv) and  Josh Stolberg (qv)s script "The Passion of the Ark" attracted  high bids in Hollywood in 2004, and was eventually bought by Sony.  Director Tom Shadyac (qv), who was part of a failed Universal bid  for the script, suggested to Sony that they partner to rework the  project as a sequel to _Bruce Almighty (2003)_ (qv), with Carrey  indicating he would consider returning. Writer Steve Oedekerk (qv)  rewrote the script, but Carrey eventually bailed on the project in  2005. Shadyac stayed on though when Steve Carell (qv), whose star  had risen after the success of  _40