Jim Carrey reveals one condition for his return to star in a Grinch sequel

Jim Carrey reveals one condition for his return to star in a Grinch sequel
Jim Carrey starred as the Grinch in the live-action adaptation of 'Dr Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas' (WireImage, Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jim Carrey is open to the idea of a potential sequel to the 2000 live-action hit 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas', but there is one condition.

The 62-year-old actor, who famously donned a green faux-fur suit and heavy prosthetics to embody the iconic Dr Seuss character, revealed that advancements in technology would need to play a significant role in his return.

Jim Carrey calls portraying Grinch was 'extremely excruciating'


381271 02: The Grinch, Played By Jim Carrey, Conspires With His Dog Max To Deprive The Who's Of Their Favorite Holiday In The Live-Action Adaptation Of The Famous Christmas Tale,
The Grinch, played by Jim Carrey in the live-action adaptation of 'Dr Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas,' directed By Ron Howard (Getty Images)

Speaking to Comicbook, Jim Carrey said, “If we could figure out the Grinch ... I’d do another film.”

However, he emphasized that the physical demands of the original production were grueling.

“On the day, I do that with a ton of makeup and can hardly breathe. It was an extremely excruciating process,” he explained, adding that his motivation came from remembering the joy it brought children.

He expressed enthusiasm for how modern tools like motion capture could simplify the experience and the production.

“Now, with motion capture and things like that, I could be free to do other things. Anything is possible in this world,” he said.

Exclusive casting rules for the Grinch

Jim Carrey’s portrayal of the Grinch remains one of his most memorable performances, and not just for audiences.

The estate of Dr Seuss, known for its strict guidelines, specifically identified Carrey as a suitable candidate for the role back in 2000, citing his height and frame as ideal.


Jim Carrey looking through phone directory in a scene from the film 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas', 2000. (Photo by Universal/Getty Images)
Jim Carrey looking through phone directory in a scene from the film 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas', 2000 (Universal/Getty Images)

Other actors considered included Jack Nicholson, Robin Williams, and Dustin Hoffman.

Despite online rumors in 2023 suggesting a sequel was already in the works, Carrey’s representative dismissed those claims.

Jim Carrey says Grinch's continuing popularity is 'so gratifying'

Jim Carrey acknowledged the enduring appeal of his role and said, “When I sit at home and I put the TV on and I see Grinch up there being viewed by everybody every Christmas ... it’s so gratifying.”

He described the experience as “unbelievable” and reflective of the “incredible magic in the universe,” according to ET.

Jim Carrey (Getty Images)
Jim Carrey attends the Los Angeles premiere screening of 'Sonic The Hedgehog 2' at Regency Village Theatre on April 5, 2022, in Los Angeles, California (Getty Images)

Jim Carrey on balancing retirement and sequels

Jim Carrey’s comments about a Grinch sequel come as he promotes another franchise film, 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3'.

The actor previously hinted at retiring from acting in 2022, saying he would only return for a script “written in gold ink that says to me that it's going to be really important for people to see, I might continue down the road."

Sonic and Jim Carrey attend the
Sonic and Jim Carrey attend the 'Sonic The Hedgehog 3' UK Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on December 10, 2024 in London, England (Karwai Tang/WireImage)

"But I'm taking a break," he said at the time.

When asked on December 10 about his earlier retirement remarks, Carrey chuckled, clarifying, “That might have been hyperbole.”

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