The-Grinch

At Universal’s CinemaCon presentation, Benedict Cumberbatch was announced as providing the voice of the title character in a new animated film version of ‘Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas.’  The announcement was made by Chris Meledrandi.  The new film version is scheduled for release on November 17, 2017 and will be directed by Pete Candeland.  No other information or casting news was presented.

Photo credit: Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

In 2000, Universal released the live action version of the classic children’s book, with Jim Carrey as The Grinch with Taylor Momsen (yes THAT Taylor Momsen, from ‘Gossip Girl’) as Cindy Lou Who.  And nearly everyone is familiar with the animated TV special that first aired in 1966 and airs repeatedly every holiday season.  Both the movie and holiday special inspired a stage musical which has been produced on Broadway, Minneapolis, and San Diego and as a touring show.  Dr. Seuss’ original book was published in 1957.

I’m not sure we really NEED a new version of ‘The Grinch’.  We’ve all been watching the original 60s version since we were old enough to watch TV.  And even the Jim Carrey version gets loads of repeats around the holidays.  (Oh right, because money.)

Universal also produced the 2003 live action version of ‘The Cat In The Hat’ with Mike Myers (co-distributed by Dreamworks) and the 2012 animated film version of ‘The Lorax’.

Of course, Cumberbatch’s next big screen role is as Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’.  He is also returning for a fourth season of BBC’s ‘Sherlock’.  You may remember Cumberbatch from ‘The Hobbit’ series, ‘Star Trek Into Darkness‘, ’12 Years A Slave’, ‘The Imitation Game’ or, if you’re really lucky, his extensive stage work.  You probably don’t remember him as androgynous model All in ‘Zoolander 2’, since no one saw that.

‘Doctor Strange’ directed by Scott Derrickson, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tilda Swinton, Rachel McAdams, Michael Stühlbarg, Benedict Wong, and Mads Mikkelsen emerges on this plane on November 4, 2016.

Source: Cinema Blend