Jim Carrey has revealed that he would like to reprise his role as the Grinch in the future, suggesting that getting into the role of the titular green, furry creature would be easier for him this time around than it was the first time he took on the role in 2000.
Why does Jim Carrey want to reprise his role as the Grinch?
In an interview with ComicBook.com while promoting his upcoming movie Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Jim Carrey was asked which of his previous acting roles he would love to reprise, and he answered the Grinch.
“Oh, gosh, you know, if we could figure out the Grinch,” Carrey said. “The thing about it is, on the day, I do that with a ton of makeup and can hardly breathe. It was an extremely excruciating process. The children were in my mind all the time. ‘It’s for the kids. It’s for the kids. It’s for the kids.’ And now, with motion capture and things like that, I could be free to do other things. Anything is possible in this world.”
Carrey played the iconic character in the 2000 film Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, directed by Ron Howard, donning an elaborate green prosthetic suit and makeup. The process of getting into the Grinch costume each day for hours was exhausting, as you can imagine. However, with advances in technology and costume design since the film’s release, the process would likely be much less taxing for Carrey today. So, could there be a possibility of him donning the Grinch suit once more?
Is How the Grinch Stole Christmas getting a sequel?
Based on Dr. Seuss’ 1957 children’s book of the same name, How the Grinch Stole Christmas marked the first Dr. Seuss book to be adapted into a full-length feature film. Featuring Jim Carrey in the titular role, the movie revolves around the Grinch, a grumpy, green recluse living on Mount Crumpit, who despises Christmas and the joyful residents of Whoville and sets out to sabotage their holiday celebration. Narrated by Anthony Hopkins, the film also stars Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Bill Irwin, and Molly Shannon in supporting roles.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas was a major box-office success, grossing over $345 million worldwide against a budget of about $123 million. It was one of the highest-grossing films of 2000 and became a holiday favorite.
Critically, the film received mixed reviews. Some critics praised Carrey’s performance as the Grinch, calling it memorable and energetic, while others found the makeup and costume to be unsettling. However, the film’s vibrant visuals and comedic elements were generally appreciated, and it has since become a beloved holiday classic for many viewers.
If you’re one of those fans who are wondering whether a sequel is in development, the answer is no. But if there would be a part two or any other Grinch film in the future, chances are it’s going to be one of the most awesome comeback movies ever, as the Dr. Seuss Estate had strict guidelines for any studios looking to adapt the works of the late Dr. Seuss.
In fact, Dr. Seuss’ widow, Audrey Geisel, set the price for the film rights to The Grinch at $5 million. Beyond the base price, she also required the studio to give the Seuss estate a 4% cut of the film’s total box-office earnings, along with 50% of the merchandising revenue and 70% from book tie-ins. Additionally, Geisel had final approval over the director and writer, stipulating that the chosen filmmaker must have previously earned at least $1 million from another project. This demand ensured that the person directing The Grinch would have substantial experience in filmmaking.
When it came to selecting the actor to play the Grinch, Geisel’s letter outlining the Seuss estate’s stipulations specified that the actor needed to meet certain height and physique requirements. Notable actors like Jack Nicholson, Jim Carrey, Robin Williams, and Dustin Hoffman were cited as ideal examples.
Where to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas
In the United States, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is currently streaming on fuboTV and Freeform. It is also possible to buy or rent the movie on Apple TV, Fandango At Home, and Microsoft Store. You can watch the trailer for the film below:
