While agreements have not yet been finalized, Jim Carrey is expected to return as the Grinch, with Ron Howard also poised to reunite with the project as director and producer.
Howard would once again collaborate with longtime producing partner Brian Grazer through Imagine Entertainment, recreating the creative partnership that helped turn the original movie into a worldwide box office phenomenon.
A Return to Whoville After More Than 25 Years
Few holiday films have maintained the cultural footprint of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Released in November 2000, the title reimagined Dr. Seuss’ classic tale as a live-action spectacle centered on Carrey’s transformative performance as the green, Christmas hating outsider who eventually discovers the holiday’s deeper meaning.
The picture expanded considerably on the source material, giving audiences a more detailed look at Whoville and introducing a backstory that explored the Grinch’s childhood, his relationship with Martha May Whovier, and the events that shaped his resentment toward the holiday season. Taylor Momsen, Christine Baranski, Jeffrey Tambor, Molly Shannon, and Bill Irwin rounded out the ensemble cast.
The sequel is being written by Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer, and David Mandel, a trio best known for acclaimed comedy series including “Barry,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Silicon Valley,” “Veep,” and “Dave.” Their involvement also reconnects them with the Dr. Seuss universe, as all three previously worked on the screenplay for 2003’s “The Cat in the Hat” starring Mike Myers.
The original “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” proved to be one of the defining box office successes of its year. The film earned more than $350 million worldwide and became the highest-grossing movie in the United States in 2000. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, it remained a favorite with audiences and later won the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, while also earning nominations for its production design and costumes.
For now, details about the story remain under wraps, and no release date has been announced. However, the prospect of Carrey returning to one of his most iconic roles suggests that Universal is aiming to build on the enduring popularity of a picture that continues to find new audiences every holiday season.