Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment are developing a sequel to the 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter.
Jim Carrey is in negotiations to reprise his role as the Grinch, and Ron Howard is set to return as director. Brian Grazer will produce alongside Howard. Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer, and David Mandel are writing the screenplay.
Project Status and Team
- Studio: Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment, and Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
- Director: Ron Howard.
- Producer: Brian Grazer (alongside Ron Howard).
- Writers: Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer, and David Mandel.
- Likely Star: Jim Carrey (in negotiations).
- Oversight: For Dr. Seuss Enterprises, CEO Susan Brandt will oversee the project. For Universal, Senior Vice President of Production Development and Special Projects Britt Hennemuth and Creative Executive Christina Hoffrogge will oversee.
- Status: The project is in development. Talks are ongoing, and the project may not proceed. No release date has been announced.
- Plot: Details are currently undisclosed.
Background on the Original Film
The 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas was based on Dr. Seuss's 1957 children's book. It grossed over $345 million worldwide and was the highest-grossing domestic film of 2000. The film won the Academy Award for Best Makeup. The franchise has remained popular on streaming, ranking consistently among Nielsen's top 10 most-streamed holiday movies.
Representation and Previous Remarks
- Ron Howard is represented by CAA and Greenberg Glusker. Jim Carrey is represented by WME and attorney Deborah Klein. Berg, Schaffer, and Mandel are represented by various agencies. Imagine Entertainment and Dr. Seuss Enterprises are represented by CAA.
- Carrey had previously expressed discomfort with the prosthetics required for the role in the 2000 film, comparing the application process to being “buried alive.” He has also expressed openness to returning, noting a preference for using motion capture instead of heavy prosthetics.
- The project continues the partnership between Universal and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, which includes an animated adaptation titled The Grinch (2018) and theme park attractions. Universal re-released the 2000 film in theaters for its 25th anniversary in 2024.