Jim Carrey is officially putting the green fur back on, and Universal is betting big that you’re ready to head back to Whoville. After decades of saying he’d never touch the character again—mostly because the original makeup process was a literal torture chamber—Carrey is set to reprise his role in a sequel to the 2000 classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Jim Carrey is returning for a sequel to his live-action How the Grinch Stole Christmas, bringing his high-energy chaos back to Universal Pictures. Expect a mix of classic practical effects and modern tech that will likely be less "scary" for younger kids than the original. If your kids already love the 2018 animated The Grinch or Carrey’s work in Sonic the Hedgehog, this is the one to track.
For years, the "Carrey Grinch" has been the polarizing uncle of holiday movies. You either love the frantic, improvised energy he brought to the role, or you find it a little too intense for a cozy December night. But in a world where the 2018 animated The Grinch became a massive hit by playing it safe and sweet, Universal is clearly ready to bring back some of that jagged, weird energy that only Carrey provides.
The big question for parents: will this sequel double down on the "mean one" vibes, or will it lean into the softer, post-heart-growth version of the character? Based on early reports, the sequel will explore the Grinch trying to navigate Whoville society after his change of heart—which, knowing Carrey’s style, will probably involve a lot of physical comedy and "fish out of water" awkwardness.
One of the biggest hurdles for the original movie was the makeup. Carrey famously described the eight hours of prosthetic application as being "buried alive." It was so bad he reportedly consulted a CIA specialist who trains agents to endure torture just to get through the shoot.
So, why is he back now? The tech has caught up. We’re expecting the sequel to use a "hybrid" approach. Think less heavy latex and more performance-capture tech, similar to what Carrey used to bring Robotnik to life in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. This is good news for the performance—a more comfortable Jim Carrey is a funnier Jim Carrey—and it likely means the Grinch’s face will look a bit more expressive and slightly less "uncanny valley" than the 2000 version, which some younger kids found genuinely creepy.
If your kids are under ten, their primary exposure to the Grinch is likely the Illumination version voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. That version is "safe." He’s a grump who likes his dog.
Carrey’s Grinch is a different beast. He’s a Vaudevillian anarchist. He breaks the fourth wall, makes jokes that fly three feet over kids' heads, and moves with a rubber-band physicality that kids today usually only see in Roblox animations or high-speed YouTubers.
From what we know of the script, the sequel is aiming for a "family bridge" vibe—nostalgic enough for the parents who grew up on the Ron Howard original, but fast-paced enough to keep a generation raised on 60-second clips engaged.
Jim Carrey doesn't do sequels often. When he does, it’s usually because he’s found a way to evolve the character. His recent run as Dr. Robotnik in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise proved he still has the "it" factor for kids. He knows how to be the villain everyone loves to watch lose.
If this Grinch sequel follows the Sonic blueprint, expect:
- High-intensity physical gags that reward repeat viewings.
- A "humanized" villain arc that actually gives kids something to talk about regarding feelings and fitting in.
- A visual feast that makes the 2000 version look like a stage play.
The "friction point" with Carrey’s Grinch has always been the intensity. The 2000 movie had some surprisingly dark production design and a Grinch who was, frankly, a bit of a jerk. For the sequel, expect Universal to "brighten" the world of Whoville. If your kid is sensitive to "scary" faces, the new digital-assist makeup will likely be your friend here—it tends to smooth out the jagged edges that made the original Grinch look like a nightmare creature to some toddlers.
If you're planning to see this when it drops, or if your kids are already asking about the "Green Guy" from the trailers:
- Ask about the "Change of Heart": The first movie ends with his heart growing three sizes. Ask your kids: "Is it harder to be mean or to try to be nice when everyone expects you to be mean?"
- Compare the Styles: If you have access to the 1966 cartoon, the 2000 movie, and the 2018 version, do a "Grinch-off." It’s a great way to show kids how different artists can interpret the same story.
Q: Is the new Grinch movie okay for 5-year-olds? Based on the shift toward more modern, family-friendly tech, it will likely be rated PG and aimed squarely at the same audience as the Sonic the Hedgehog movies. It’ll be loud and fast, but likely less "creepy" than the 2000 original.
Q: Is Jim Carrey actually in the suit this time? Yes, Carrey is returning, but expect a lot of "digital makeup" to help him out. This allows for more of his actual facial expressions to come through without the eight-hour chair time.
Q: Do we need to watch the first one before the sequel? You don't need to, but the sequel will likely be packed with references to the 2000 How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It’s a great excuse for a family movie night to see if the original still holds up for your crew.
Universal is playing the hits, and Jim Carrey returning to Whoville is the biggest hit they’ve got in the holiday chamber. It’s going to be a spectacle of "Maximalist Carrey," which is exactly what a sequel to this character needs to be. It won't be quiet, and it won't be subtle, but it will definitely be the most talked-about family movie of its release window.
- Check out our best family movies by age to see where the original Grinch ranks.
- If your kid is a fan of Carrey's "villain" energy, take a look at our guide to the Sonic the Hedgehog movies.
- Find more movies like The Grinch
