He’s the grumpiest grouch in all of Who-ville, but this festive season, The Grinch plans to steal Christmas and all of the joy it brings.
Benedict Cumberbatch calls upon his American accent for the animated role – more Doctor Strange, less Sherlock – which is coming by way of Illumination, the industry powerhouse responsible for Despicable Me, Sing, and the inescapable Minions movies. And to drum up excitement ahead of its release in November, the studio has summoned forth a new and suitably festive trailer for The Grinch.
Directed by Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier, this is simply the latest spin on Dr. Seuss’ famous yarn from 1957, with previous adaptations including Ron Howard’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, which featured Jim Carrey in the title role. Now, it’s Benedict Cumberbatch’s turn to curse Who-ville with his unbearable cynicism.
Hailing from a dark and dingy cave inside Mt. Crumpit, it’s only when the Grinch encounters an adorable little girl (Cindy Lou Who) that his faith in the holiday season is restored. But as today’s zany new trailer proves, there’ll be some twists and turns along the way.
Here’s the official logline for The Grinch, courtesy of Illumination:
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.
Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpit with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. With a cave rigged with inventions and contraptions for his day-to-day needs, the Grinch only sees his neighbours in Who-ville when he runs out of food.
Illumination’s animated redo of The Grinch tip-toes into theaters November 9th – just in time for Benedict Cumberbatch’s grumpy grouch to steal Christmas.