There are three movie versions of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” one was released in 1966, one in 2000 and one in 2018. The first film version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was actually an animated TV special that was first broadcast on CBS on December 18, 1966.
There are three versions of the Grinch movies, including the 1966 animated version “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,” the 2000 live-action “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and the animated 2018 "The Grinch."
While different generations have grown up with their own version of The Grinch, 1966's How the Grinch Stole Christmas remains the best Grinch movie, and the most faithful to the original and beloved Dr. Seuss tale.
What is the difference between the old Grinch and the new Grinch?
One main difference in the new Grinch movie versus the old is how the overall appearance of the Grinch has changed. In the live action movie, he can be described as a cat-faced, un-groomed mess, whereas in the new movie he has a softer, kid-friendly face.
The original comes in a close second, and last would be the newest cartoon version of it. The live-action version of The Grinch is the best because it focuses more on the Grinch's backstory, rather than the original cartoon version which barely shows the reason why the Grinch hates Christmas.
Film Theory: How Christmas BROKE The Grinch! (Dr Seuss How The Grinch Stole Christmas)
Why did the Grinch change?
Is the Grinch a static character or a dynamic character? [The Grinch is a dynamic character. After his heart grows three sizes, he changes from mean to amiable. He returns the gifts, trees, and food, and then he joins the Whos in their Christmas celebration.]
Watch all three Dr. Seuss classics on Peacock: Jim Carrey in Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (streaming here), Benedict Cumberbatch in The Grinch (streaming here), and the original Chuck Jones animated feature How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
In 1966, animator Chuck Jones brought the book to life in the "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" cartoon, in which he gave the Grinch his signature green color. It's rumored that Jones was inspired by his rental car at the time, which was the same shade of green.
Seuss "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" was launched again but this time in a remastered version, which means: much better quality. So now you can have you own copy of the most loveable grumpy character, ever! And just in time for it's 15th anniversary! Yes!
Taylor Momsen was only 7 years old when she starred as Cindy Lou Who opposite Jim Carrey in Ron Howard's 2000 Christmas blockbuster “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” It was a breakout role that earned Momsen a Saturn Award nomination for best performance by a younger actor, but it also led to bullying in school.
Jim opened up about what it was like getting into the Grinch costume and makeup, which took eight and a half hours to do on the first day, said it was like "being buried alive every day." It caused him to almost quit.
The Grinch 2 is currently not confirmed and is only a rumor circulating since 2023. Jim Carrey is unlikely to return as the Grinch in The Grinch 2, as he has expressed disinterest in participating in sequels.
Apparently the big, hairy, green Grinch costume was an absolute NIGHTMARE to attach to Jim Carrey's body. The process involved facial prosthetics, being encased head-to-toe in green yak fur and enlarged contact lenses being inserted over his eyes.
Explaining the reasoning for his possible retirement, Carrey said: “I really like my quiet life and I really like putting paint on canvas and I really love my spiritual life and I feel like – and this is something you might never hear another celebrity say as long as time exists – I have enough. I've done enough.
Who was supposed to be the Grinch instead of Jim Carrey?
After all, Jim Carrey took a rather understated character from a cartoon and turned him into something almost entirely his. Yet, when the studio was doing initial casting, Eddie Murphy and Jack Nicholson were the first names to come up, according to Vulture and ScreenCrush.
In the original book, the Grinch is illustrated as black and white, with hints of pink and red. Rumor has it that Jones was inspired to give the Grinch his iconic coloring after he rented a car that was painted an ugly shade of green.
She explains that she was too young to wear prosthetics but this was swerved by the director who decided on adding the line “She hasn't even grown into her nose yet” to provide a reason to the narrative.
The special was produced in color (as virtually all prime time television programs on major American networks were by 1966); in discussing possible colors for the Grinch, Jones and Dr. Seuss mutually agreed that there was no other choice except green.
