How the Grinch Stole ChristmasSeuss’s beloved illustrated book, which many of us first experienced as a story read as children, initially became a cultural phenomenon because of its timeless themes of how Christmas can be found not only in gifts but also in the hearts of everyone – even the hearts of the most grumpy mean people.
Translated into several languages and then adapted into a 1966 cartoon special Looney Tunes The famous Chuck Jones, the black-and-white, red-eyed character became green because “it was the color of Chuck Jones’ rental car at the time he began drawing the Grinch for animation,” according to Susan Brandt, CEO and president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the company that oversees Theodor Geisel’s works.
“However, it has stuck with audiences and continues to be popular because it is one of the main colors of Christmas, so it works well with other existing elements of the season,” he continued, explaining why Dr. Seuss Enterprises decided to adopt the green Grinch as its official look.
My dad experienced the spanish version of the cartoon Looney Tunes fans in Mexico, and it was one of the first holiday movies they gave me when they saw it playing on our local television station during the holidays in the ’90s. As an early reader, he got me into the book; Together, we explored the rest of the Seuss library. It made me fall in love with language, thanks to the Grinch.
As much as we know Santa, I’d say millennials especially take ownership of the Grinch resurgence. We were kids when Jim Carrey’s film came out 25 years ago. Ron Howard’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas Introduced the world to the ultimate live-action Dr. Seuss universe; It’s brought to the screen with whimsy and wonder, and Carrey’s comedic Grinchy chaos has solidified the character as a cinematic Christmas icon.
Brandt discussed with io9 how Carrey’s version has helped define the iconic character. He said, “The 2000 film brought the Grinch to life in a believable way, revealing his humanity, humor, and sensitivity.” “Jim Carrey’s boisterous personality and unique performance and the Grinch’s striking visual characteristics allowed him to establish a sound and look that no one had encountered before.”
That same energy has become a tradition at Universal Studios for its annual Grinchmas holiday season. In a theme park setting, kids get an immersive Whoville experience. They meet the Grinch in his Santa suit and eat Hoo Hash or Hoo Pudding while listening to the famous story of Cindy Lou Hoo. The Grinch’s Ark that plays during Grinchmas is, no doubt, one of the earliest forms of immersive theater in theme parks.
It’s easy to understand why the Grinch has become an annual sensation at Universal Studios. the green one is addableIt is not necessary to always be happy during the season; It must be found and shared—it is imperfect and spontaneous, We see the people of the town of Whoville talk about her all day and get to see their wonderful moment of embracing the holidays during the tree lighting ceremony, which includes Cindy Lou Who’s conversation, that weird mayor, and Martha May Who’s festive flirtation with the Grinch,
Grinchmas has endured because the actors playing him at Universal Studios have captured that anarchic Carrey energy to such an extent that these days, the Grinch often goes viral. And even beyond the theme parks, the Grinch has made a tradition of stealing the official Dr. Seuss account during the holidays.
Last year she kicked things off with a “Get ready for the season with me” thirst post, and this year’s cheeky vibes are no different. It’s somewhat strange that Seuss adopted the hilarious, innocent-innocuous energy of Carrie the Grinch with Martha May Who (a role played with delicious confidence by Christine Baranski in the 2000 film). The Grinch knows she’s crush-worthy, and he’s his own biggest fan.
The off-kilter comedy of Y2K has enjoyed a resurgence recently, and on social media, the Grinch knows how to nail it.
There’s a ridiculous Grinch meal at McDonald’s that’s awesome. I’ve become a fan myself and have tried the Grinch Salt Fries, which are dill-pickle flavored. (They tasted great, until I had to crawl to my Tums bottle — which I should have prepared myself for.) The Grinch is Crocs, the shoe that Gen Z will always be synonymous with.
Even “Where Are You Christmas?” There is also a rock cover of. By Pretty Reckless, fronted by Cindy Lou Who actress Taylor Momsen. The single is, of course, tied to the live-action re-release How the Grinch Stole ChristmasIn which he starred with Carey.
And despite Illumination’s efforts to bring an animated retelling of Seuss’s classic to a new generation in 2018, the live-action shadow remains looming large. Carrey’s character was mean and scary but also charming and charismatic. The Grinch’s unpredictability made him feel like a cartoon come to life on screen; He also went to some dark places before he stole Christmas and then actually had his heart grow three sizes.
However, Seuss has managed to find a Grinch successor whose casting is almost too perfect. Walmart’s holiday advertising feature ControversyWalton Goggins stars in the role.
According to Brandt, the actor’s Grinch stint had its own viral beginnings, due to his pre-existing advertising campaign with the retailer. “There were a lot of comments on social media about how he looked like the Grinch and how much he would love to play the Grinch at some point,” the Dr. Seuss Enterprises executive said. “The team at Walmart saw these conversations and contacted us to bring it to life.”
Brandt continued. “We wanted Walton to bring his personality and aura of ‘cool’ to the role, and we’re thrilled with the result.”
The Grinch needs Goggins’ raspy roar and mysterious comedic energy if anyone else is going to take up the mantle. Of course, the downside is that it came from Walmart corporate dollars. But damn, is it great! Whether animated, live-action, or donning the suit near the fireplace for a YouTube video reading a storybook, we’ll take Goggins’ Grinch either way.
This is a testament to why people are still attracted to the Grinch 68 years after the book was first published. His flaws and chaotic nature remain relevant in a world where things can be tough and mean, but hopefully the community can help alleviate some of them.
“The Grinch continues to be a heartwarming source of humor, entertainment and sincerity that most families have made an integral part of their holiday traditions.” Brandt said. “We all have a little bit of that anger and disrespect in us.”
So while we await the evolution of Goggins’ Grinch, there’s always going to be another Grinch podcast, social media rez, or Memelord post as we continue to capture that unique Grinch magic for generations to come.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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