Twenty-six years after its cinematic success, "The Grinch" starring Jim Carrey is preparing its comeback

One of the most enduring Christmas movies in the popular imagination of the 2000s is about to be reborn. More than a quarter of a century after its release, The Grinch will get a sequel developed by Universal, with the return of its original cast and crew planned.

Behind this project, which is still in development, the studio is counting on the public's nostalgia but also on the undiminished attachment to the character created by Dr Seuss, who has become over the years an essential figure of the holiday season.

Jim Carrey and Ron Howard expected to return to Whoville

According to several American entertainment news outlets, director Ron Howard is set to return to helm the new film, while Jim Carrey is in talks to reprise his role as the iconic green character who once dreamed of making Christmas disappear. The screenplay has been entrusted to writers from the world of American television comedy, including Alec Berg and David Mandel, known for their work on several hit series. No plot details have yet been revealed.

Released in 2000, The Grinch told the story of a solitary resident living apart from the village of Whoville and determined to sabotage the Christmas celebrations. His plan was gradually disrupted by his encounter with the young Cindy-Lou.

The film was a huge commercial success and remains today the most popular adaptation of this universe among the general public.

A comeback made possible by the evolution of filming techniques

This announcement also raises a question: how to recreate the character without reproducing the constraints of the first shoot?

Jim Carrey had repeatedly stated that his experience in makeup had been particularly grueling. The long hours spent each day applying prosthetics and transformations had almost led him to abandon the project.

Since then, digital tools have evolved significantly. The actor himself had mentioned the idea that a possible comeback could rely more on motion capture and modern visual effects in order to limit the time spent in makeup.

It remains to be seen whether this sequel will choose to directly continue the story of the 2000 film or to offer a new interpretation of the character.