Jim Carrey and Ron Howard in Talks for 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' Sequel

More than 25 years after becoming a holiday tradition for millions of families, How the Grinch Stole Christmasmay finally be getting a sequel. And no, we're not talking about yet another animated version.

According to a new report, Universal and Imagine Entertainment are developing a follow-up to the 2000 blockbuster, with both Jim Carrey and director Ron Howard expected to return if the project moves forward.

While discussions are reportedly ongoing and no official green light has been announced, the prospect of returning to Whoville is already generating excitement among fans who have spent decades revisiting the film every holiday season.

A Christmas Favorite That Refuses to Fade Away

Released in 2000, How the Grinch Stole Christmas was a massive box office success, grossing more than $350 million worldwide and becoming one of the defining holiday movies of its era.

Carrey's larger-than-life performance as the Grinch helped turn the Dr. Seuss adaptation into a perennial Christmas favorite, with many fans continuing to watch it every December more than two decades later.

The film's popularity eventually led to a separate animated adaptation, The Grinch, in 2018, which was another major hit for Universal. Still, many viewers have remained attached to the live-action version and have long wondered whether Carrey would ever return to the role.

Jim Carrey is in talks to return for a #Grinch sequel with original director Ron Howard. Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment are backing the untitled live-action sequel.https://t.co/1NMOPhgUVypic.twitter.com/GXDIvWlTBF

— Variety (@Variety) June 18, 2026

Jim Carrey Previously Opened Up About One Major Challenge

For years, Carrey seemed open to the idea of revisiting the character-but only under the right circumstances. In an interview, the actor admitted that the makeup process required for the original film was extremely difficult.

"The thing about it is, on the day, I do that with a ton of makeup and can hardly breathe," Carrey said. "It was an extremely excruciating process."

However, he also suggested modern filmmaking technology could change the equation.

Carrey noted that motion-capture technology could allow him to play the Grinch again without enduring the hours-long makeup process that defined the original production.

"Anything is possible in this world," he said at the time.

The Original Team Could Reunite

Beyond Carrey's potential return, the reported involvement of Howard is another reason longtime fans are paying attention. Howard directed the original film, which remains one of the most recognizable live-action holiday movies ever made.

A reunion between the actor and director would instantly give the project a strong connection to the movie that audiences fell in love with 25 years ago. For now, the sequel remains in development and details are limited.

But after years of rumors and speculation, Whoville may finally be preparing for another visit from the Grinch.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 12:35 AM.