It’s been 18 years since Jim Carrey portrayed the Who-hating holiday grouch, but now Illumination - the studio behind the animated hit franchise
Despicable Me - is taking its turn at telling the classic tale of
Dr. Suess’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
Universal released the first trailer for the animated holiday classic, and while just about everyone knows the story of
The Grinch, Illumination is putting its own charismatic touches on it. Illumination’s signature cleverness and humor is on full display - from the over-the-top grouchiness of the mischievous Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch) to the absolute cuteness of his adorable, loyal dog Max. Living a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpet with only his loyal dog as company, the Grinch only sees his neighbors in Who-ville when he runs out food - which is what’s showcased in the first trailer.
Although the overall story of
The Grinch seems to be intact, Illumination is putting slight twists on how it unfolds. The Grinch, a cynical grump on a mission for peace and quiet, sets out to steal Christmas from the Whos by posing as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, Cindy-Lou Hou, a young girl overflowing with holiday cheer, hatches a plan with her friends to trap Santa Clause so she can thank him for helping her overworked single mother.
"As Christmas approaches, however, her good-natured scheming threatens to collide with the Grinch’s more nefarious one," Universal teases, and you can probably imagine what unfolds.
For their eighth fully animated feature, Illumination and Universal Pictures present The Grinch, based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday classic. The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism.
The Grinch opens in theaters November 9, 2018.