Jim Carrey is poised to return as The Grinch, with Deadline reporting that the actor is in talks to reunite with director Ron Howard and Universal Pictures for a sequel to the beloved 2000 holiday hit.

Jim Carey reprises The Grinch role

• Deadline first reported that Jim Carrey is in talks to reprise The Grinch.
• Ron Howard is attached to direct and produce the sequel.
• The screenplay will be written by Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer and David Mandel.
• Plot details are being kept under wraps.
• The original 2000 film grossed more than $345 million worldwide and won an Oscar for Best Makeup.
• The news follows confirmation that Mike Myers will return for a new Austin Powers movie.

Jim Carrey Eyes Return as The Grinch in New Sequel From Ron Howard and Universal

Jim Carrey could be heading back to Whoville.

Deadline has broken the news that Carrey is in talks to reunite with director Ron Howard and Universal Pictures for a sequel to How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the blockbuster holiday comedy that became a seasonal staple after its release in 2000.

While the project remains untitled and story details are being kept firmly under wraps, Carrey is expected to reprise his role as the famously grouchy green recluse who learns the true meaning of Christmas. Howard is attached to direct and produce the film alongside Brian Grazer through Imagine Entertainment.

The creative team behind the sequel includes an impressive trio of comedy veterans. Alec Berg (Barry, Silicon Valley), Jeff Schaffer (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Dave) and David Mandel (Veep, Curb Your Enthusiasm) are set to write the screenplay.

Susan Brandt will oversee the project on behalf of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, while Universal executives Britt Hennemuth and Christina Hoffrogge will supervise development for the studio.

The original story, first published by Dr. Seuss in 1957, follows the bitter and isolated Grinch as he attempts to spoil Christmas for the residents of Whoville before undergoing a dramatic change of heart. The tale was inspired in part by author Theodore Geisel’s concerns about the growing commercialization of the holiday season.

Before Carrey’s live-action portrayal, the story was adapted into the classic 1966 animated television special featuring Boris Karloff as both narrator and the voice of the Grinch.

Released in November 2000, Howard’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas became a major box office success. The film spent four consecutive weeks atop the U.S. box office, grossed more than $345 million worldwide and finished as the highest-grossing domestic release of the year. It also earned two Academy Award nominations and won the Oscar for Best Makeup.

Carrey’s potential return is particularly noteworthy given his previous comments about the demanding makeup and prosthetics process required for the role. The actor famously described the lengthy application sessions as feeling like being “buried alive” and has spoken about using coping techniques taught by Richard Marcinko, the founder of SEAL Team Six, to get through production.

The sequel announcement continues a growing trend of beloved comedy stars revisiting some of their most iconic characters. It comes shortly after confirmation that Mike Myers will return for a new Austin Powers film, marking the franchise’s first installment since 2002.

If Carrey’s deal is finalised, audiences could soon see one of cinema’s most memorable holiday villains making a long-awaited return to the big screen.