Why Are We Getting a “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Sequel Now Nearly 26 Years Later?
It has been confirmed that a sequel to the Christmas classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is in the works. Jim Carry, Ron Howard, and Ryan Grazer have already signed on. No word from Taylor Momsen on a possible return; she’s busy being a Rock Star. Luckily, no involvement from Benedict Cumberbatch. Can it live up to its predecessor?
Jim Carrey signs on to “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” sequel
A few months ago, if you had asked me, or Jim Carrey for that matter, if the 2000 “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” classic film needed a sequel, we would both have said no. It wasn’t in the cards. Jim Carrey mentioned many times he wasn’t interested. Well, never say never. As TMZ has confirmed, a sequel is currently in the works. Jim Carrey will reprise his role as the beloved Green Furry Man who hates Christmas, Ron Howard has already agreed to be back in the director’s chair, and Ryan Grazer is currently on as cinematographer.
The Original “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Released just before Thanksgiving in 2000, the original “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” movie was an incredible success, raking in $ 260 million domestically and $ 345 million worldwide. Endearing itself to children and even parents everywhere, it is now a beloved Christmas classic and a tradition even in my own family.
For those who may not know, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a Dr. Seuss original book. Released in 1957, it quickly climbed the ranks to be a standout among Dr. Seuss’s legion of rhyming children’s books. Inspired by his distaste for the commercialism overrunning the holiday, the book follows the titular Grinch trying to ruin Christmas for humanoid creatures known as Who’s who live in Whoville and only care about Christmas.
In the 1966 animated special, Co-Director Chuck Jones elected to color the Grinch Green instead of the Black and White the book was published in. The Grinch and the Narrator were both played by veteran creature actor Boris Karloff.
The 2000 “Grinch” remains a beloved film, being one of the top 10 most-streamed Christmas flicks for the last five years. Universal’s own chain of theme parks brings out the Grinch and Whoville every year during the Christmas season for hilarious Grinch meet and greets.
“Grinch” sequel has big shoes to fill
If the 2000 “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was so successful, why give it a sequel? Why touch it at all? Illumination tried making an animated version with Benedict Cumberbatch in 2018 titled simply “The Grinch,” and though it was a commercial success, it isn’t exactly remembered fondly by fans.
With Jim Carrey set to reprise his role, it’s interesting that none of the other original cast seem to have joined either. Would Taylor Momsen as an adult Cindy Lou Who be something the fans want? I personally wouldn’t mind seeing the return of Christine Baranski as Martha May Whovier, for the plot, of course.
So why sequel “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” now?
Now, you, my dear reader, may be thinking, “Why do a sequel more than 25 years later?” “Why did Jim Carrey change his mind?” “Did I forget laundry in the wash?” I have no idea if you’ve forgotten laundry in the wash; it might be worth checking. However, there is a prevalent theory about why this sequel is happening: simply money.
Yes, like a veritable Mr. Krabs of Hollywood, Universal is, allegedly, currently salivating at the thought of a fresh pile of Grinch-stamped money raked in by Jim Carrey and his hilarious on-screen antics. But why would Jim Carrey, noted Canadian and Silver Screen funny man, change his mind? Universal probably offered him the very thing they’re after. Money.
Whether Universal is truly, allegedly, engaging in cash-grabbing, or if the script for “Grinch 2” was so good Jim Carrey had to make it, I suppose we will find out in due time.
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