Universal Studios and its Illumination Entertainment animation division are banking that Dr. Seuss fans have sufficiently recovered from the much-maligned Jim Carrey take on the green meanie and are ready to see a new CG feature adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
The new Grinch outing will be directed by Peter Candeland, with Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri producing and Audrey Geisel, Dr. Seuss’ (Theodor Geisel) widow serving as executive producer. This will be the third Seussian outing for Meledandri—the studio head exec produced 2008’s Horton Hears A Who! for Fox and Illumination’s The Lorax for Universal last year.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas was written in 1957 and in 1966 was adapted into a well-loved animated special directed by Chuck Jones. The story would not hit screens again until the live-action film in 2000 directed by Ron Howard and starring Carrey as the villainous joy-burglar. We’re just hoping the new film will feature a poppy update of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Maybe Jack White is available?