Jim Carrey to Return as The Grinch in Live-Action Sequel

Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment are developing a sequel to the 2000 live-action film How the Grinch Stole Christmas, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Jim Carrey is in talks to reprise his role as the Grinch, while Ron Howard returns to direct and Brian Grazer serves as producer.

The project reunites the original directing and producing team from the first film. The Hollywood Reporter reports that Carrey is currently in negotiations to return to the titular role, marking a potential return to the character for the first time in over two decades.

Who is writing the Grinch sequel?

The script is being developed by a writing trio consisting of Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer, and David Mandel. This specific group previously collaborated on the 2003 live-action adaptation of The Cat in the Hat starring Mike Myers.

Berg has previously worked on Barry and Silicon Valley. Schaffer is known for Dave and Curb Your Enthusiasm, while Mandel has written for Veep and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Why is Universal producing a sequel now?

The decision follows sustained commercial performance across both theatrical and digital platforms. Released just before Thanksgiving in 2000, the original film was the top movie of the year domestically. It earned $260 million in the U.S. and $345 million worldwide.

The film’s longevity has transitioned to streaming services. According to Nielsen data, the 2000 movie has remained among the top 10 most streamed holiday movies for each of the past five years.

Will Jim Carrey undergo the original makeup process?

While Carrey’s return is in talks, the physical requirements of the role were a defining characteristic of the first production. The original film won the Academy Award for Best Makeup, which went to Rick Baker and Gail Rowell-Ryan.

The makeup process for the first film required eight hours of application per day. Carrey previously described the experience as being buried alive, noting that he had to endure the process 100 times during filming.

The return of this specific writing team suggests a continuation of the surrealist, live-action style seen in the early 2000s Dr. Seuss adaptations. By pairing the Cat in the Hat writers with the Grinch director, Universal is aligning the sequel with the same creative architects who handled the studio’s previous high-budget Seuss projects.