Joe Rogan remarked Ace Ventura as transphobic, will the third instalment overcome the original’s controversy?

The '90s comedy scene was undeniably dominated by a slew of films that have since become cult classics, yet the laughter once shared now echoes with controversial undertones. Chief among these is Jim Carrey's breakout hit, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Once heralded for its slapstick comedy and Carrey's elastic expressions, the film has come under fire for what many describe today as blatant transphobia, a sentiment recently spotlighted by commentator Joe Rogan.

The retro comedy’s controversial punchline

Rogan, known for his potent observations, revisited this pet detective story only to find its humor has aged like milk, rather than fine wine. "I didn't realize how transphobic that f*cking movie is," Rogan exclaimed in an eye-opening conversation with NYT's Bari Weiss. "It is so insanely transphobic," he revealed, after a disconcerting family viewing experience. The film's climax, which equates the revelation of a character's transgender identity to a grotesque gag, incited visceral reactions from its audience then and now. This revelation has prompted a question that cuts deep into the fabric of pop culture: Should movies like Ace Ventura, which reflect the bygone biases of their times, be preserved or purged from contemporary platforms?

Also read: Ace Ventura's nostalgia wave sweeping Gen Z: Is it time for the third installment?

Navigating the past, paving way for Ace Ventura 3

As the world eagerly or perhaps apprehensively awaits the arrival of Ace Ventura 3, the long shadow of its predecessor’s contentious comedy looms. While the conversation around the original movie's troubling aspects is vital, it's equally important to recognize the progress society has made since Ace's first case. "We've come a long way," noted Weiss, emphasizing the importance of not erasing history but learning from it.

Also read: Ace Ventura's controversial humor and a sequel that divides decades later

Amidst this complex interplay of retrospection and evolution, fans and critics alike are left to wonder: Can Ace Ventura 3 transcend the ignominious legacy of transphobia and reshape the narrative into one that's reflective of today's more enlightened audience? Ace Ventura: Pet Detective might have once been the pinnacle of '90s humor, but its laughter is now mired in a cultural shift towards inclusivity and sensitivity. As Hollywood grapples with its checkered history, all eyes turn to the new sequel — will it rectify the past, or repeat it? One thing's for certain: it's not just the fictional pet detective who's on the case; it's the entire social consciousness of the contemporary viewer.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)