The Grinch has returned to steal Christmas yet again, but this time in the form of a computer-animated feature by the folks at Illumination Entertainment. The studio has released the third trailer for their upcoming adaptation of the classic Dr. Seuss story, along with some newly announced additions to the cast.
Doctor Strange himself Benedict Cumberbatch shines as the titular green grump, who’s disgust towards Christmas convinces him to ruin the holiday by stealing all of Whoville’s presents. This aspect is prominently featured in this trailer, which is able to deliver some amusing and creative visual gags throughout. While not a grand trailer, it does at least convince me that the movie should be a significant improvement from Illumination’s previous Dr. Seuss adaption The Lorax, considering it’s more-faithful approach and lack of minion-wannabes.
Meanwhile, Deadline has revealed that more cast members will be joining the film alongside Cumberbatch, which includes Rashida Jones (The Awesomes), Keenan Thompson (Rock Dog), Cameron Seely (The Greatest Showman), and Angela Lansbury (Beauty and the Beast). Lansbury is confirmed to be voicing the Mayor of Whoville (and no, this ain’t the same Whoville Mayor we saw in Horton Hears a Who!).
Another noteworthy addition to the cast is Despicable Me music regular Pharrell Williams, who’s serving as the narrator. Although Williams isn’t said to be providing music, the new Grinch movie will feature an original song “I Am The Grinch” written and performed Grammy-nominated rapper Tyler, the Creator. A glimpse of his music style can be heard in his rendition of “You’re a Mean One” in the trailer, in collaboration with the film’s composer Danny Elfman.
The Grinch will be released via Universal Pictures on November 9, 2018, eighteen years after the live-action movie, and nearly fifty-two years after the classic Chuck Jones cartoon. On a side note, this appears to be the final Dr. Seuss film handled by Universal and Illumination, as all future adaptations are currently in the hands of Warner Animation Group, who are developing an animated Cat in the Hat feature.
