With Jim Carrey declining to reprise his role in a BRUCE ALMIGHTY sequel, Universal has tapped the original films co-star Steve Carell to reprise his role as Bruces anchorman nemesis, giving him a mission to build a new ark in preparation for second Great Flood, according to VARIETY. Titled EVAN ALMIGHTY, the film will garner THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN star close to $5 million. Thats 10 times what he earned for VIRGIN.

Tom Shadyac is set to return as director, and Morgan Freeman is in talks to take a second spin at playing God. Filming is set to start early 2006.

Steve Oedekerk penned the screenplay, which originally began as a spec from Bobby Florsheim and Josh Stolberg titled, THE PASSION OF THE ARK. Sony had purchased the spec at auction, but made a deal with Shadyac, Universal and Spyglass to sell them the script as a springboard for an ALMIGHTY sequel. As part of the deal, Sony has an option to co-finance the pic and handle international distribution then split the proceeds with Universal.

Shadyac and Michael Bostick of Universal-based Shady Acres; Spyglass partners Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum will producer, along with Neal Moritz, who was assigned as producer when the film was still ARK. Universal president Donna Langley and svp Holly Bario will shepherd the film.