Auch Hauptrolle Jim Carrey soll wieder mitspielen
Universal Pictures is in negotiations to develop a sequel to the 2000 holiday hit How the Grinch Stole Christmas, with Jim Carrey expected to reprise his role as the title character. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the studio is also working to bring back director Ron Howard for the project. While specific plot details remain unconfirmed, the original film remains a widely recognized classic based on the 1957 Dr. Seuss book.
Why a sequel is in development
The potential return of the Grinch follows the original film’s status as a holiday staple. The story centers on a cynical, green creature living near Whoville who attempts to ruin Christmas for the local residents. Because the first film achieved significant success as a cinema hit, Universal Pictures is now exploring a follow-up. The studio is currently in talks with Jim Carrey, 64, and director Ron Howard, 72, to return to their respective roles.

Did You Know? During the filming of the 2000 original, Jim Carrey faced such intense physical strain from the prosthetic makeup process—which initially took eight hours per day—that he considered quitting the production and returning his 20 million dollar salary.
Production challenges and history
The original production was notable for the extreme demands placed on its lead actor. Carrey previously told Vulture that the makeup application was a significant burden. To complete the film, he utilized techniques taught by a specialist who trains CIA agents to endure torture, allowing him to persevere through the process. Eventually, the daily makeup time was reduced to approximately three hours, which helped the production reach completion.
Expert Insight: The involvement of both Carrey and Howard is significant, as the original film’s success was largely defined by their specific collaboration. If the studio secures both, it signals an attempt to replicate the tone of the 2000 classic, though the production will likely need to address the same physical challenges that nearly caused Carrey to exit the first time.
What happens next
As negotiations are currently ongoing, no official release date or plot outline has been announced. A possible next step involves the finalization of contracts for the lead actor and director. If these agreements are reached, the project will move into development, likely requiring a balance between modern production standards and the legacy of the 1957 Dr. Seuss source material.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Grinch sequel officially confirmed?
Universal Pictures is reportedly in negotiations to develop a sequel, but official confirmation of the project’s start date has not been released.
Will Jim Carrey return to the role?
Reports indicate that Jim Carrey is currently in negotiations to reprise his role as the Grinch.
What is the plot of the new film?
Concrete details regarding the plot are not yet known, though the original film was based on the 1957 Dr. Seuss classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Are you looking forward to seeing Jim Carrey return to this iconic role, or do you think some classics are better left as standalone films?