Too violent? Lead star Jim Carrey refuses to promote ‘Kick-Ass 2’

This publicity photo released by Universal Pictures shows, Jim Carrey, left, as Colonel Stars and Stripes making a plan with Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Kick-Ass in a scene from the comedy film, “Kick-Ass 2.” “Kick-Ass 2” director Jeff Wadlow defended his film on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013, after Carrey chose not to support the action comedy because of its violence. AP PHOTO/UNIVERSAL PICTURES

LONDON—”Kick-Ass 2″ director Jeff Wadlow is defending his film after star Jim Carrey chose not to promote the action comedy because of its violence.

Carrey, who plays vigilante Colonel Stars and Stripes in the sequel to the 2010 hit, has distanced himself from the film, saying the shooting massacre at Connecticut’s Sandy Hook Elementary school changed his perspective.

Wadlow says Carrey is as unpredictable in real life as he is as an actor and “you never know what he is going to do or say.” He says he hopes people will see the movie and judge for themselves.

He says that in many ways the movie is less violent than its predecessor, with more hand-to-hand combat and fewer guns.

Despite the controversy, Wadlow said Tuesday that Carrey “is fantastic in the movie,” and he’d work with him again.