Why How the Grinch Stole Christmas Is Still a Holiday Classic 26 Years Later
When How the Grinch Stole Christmas premiered in 2000, critics were at odds with each other. Many felt the film went too far with Dr. Seuss’ story and made it too complicated. Others others were concerned about its darker humor. Plus add in the over-the-top production design and you get something akin to how Tim Burton goes full Burton on all of his films. But despite all this critical backlash, audiences had a very different reaction.
The movie soon became the highest earning film in the U.S. that year. Earned an Academy Award for Best Makeup. And has since become one of the most-watched Christmas movies ever. Two decades later and it’s still a must watch for holiday programming. A lot of the reason that it’s such a great film in general is because of Jim Carrey’s unforgettable performance.
Jim Carrey was put in makeup that he had to sit still for for hours. So long that he had to work with coaches that worked in CIA anti-torture training to cope with the agonizing discomfort of wearing the Grinch costume and makeup. It took about 8.5 hours to apply on day one and he’d have to endure that hell for 92 days after that. It got so bad that producer Brian Grazer hired the CIA anti-torture training agent because Carrey was about to quit the film. Imagine having to endure that everyday for 92 days. In a way it makes sense with him going full Carrey, he wanted to do everything in one take, and who wouldn’t having to wear those uncomfortable prosthetics.
Rather than copy the source material or the animated Grinch from 1966, Jim Carrey transformed the character and made it his own. Because of him a simple Christmas story came to life in a whirlwind of physical comedy, improvisation, sarcasm, and genuine emotion. Even if you’ve watched it a million times it’s still watchable. So much so that I will put it on so that the DVD plays it over and over again on a loop. It doesn’t get boring and it doesn’t get old. You still quote the lines of the film and if you have echolalia it’s probably one of the funnest movies to do that with. All this to say that we could get another film in this universe. And the source is Taylor Momsen who played Cindy Lou Who
From Child Star to Rock Icon: Taylor Momsen’s Remarkable Career
Taylor Momsen once played Cindy Lou Who and later she’d transition to the front woman and founder of The Pretty Reckless. Imagine going from singing “Where are you Christmas” to belting out some of the biggest songs by The Pretty Reckless. Songs like Heaven Knows, And So It Goes and Death by Rock and Roll.
Acting for Taylor was never what she thought she’d so in life. Music always had a bigger place in her heart. And it worked out because with her acting skills her music videos for The Pretty Reckless are straight up fire! The music industry is hard but she still did it. She formed the band in 2009 when she was still just a baby (Teenager but I’m old so she was just a baby). Ok ok, she was 16, almost a full fledged adult according to society. Embracing hard rock it was thought that Momsen would be off of acting forever. Despite her stint in 2010 for her role in Gossip Girl, she all but quit. And I have a sneaking suspicion that she did that job to help promote the band, I mean.. I would have.
During her reunion with Jim Carrey at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025 they met up with an emotional reuniting. It was the first time they’d seen one another in 25 years. The photo ops had fans buzzing hoping that a sequel was in the works then. But nothing came of it and time tracked on. Giving fans just a glimpse of hope for that brief moment and then fizzling out in the news as everything else does.
That is why fans of How the Grinch Stole Christmas were surprised by her recent interviews. In these interviews they explore her acting past, asking just what would it take for her to return to the big screen. Even though she has consistently maintained that music is her priority, Momsen revealed a soft spot for the character Cindy Lou Who.
Speaking about a potential Grinch sequel, she admitted:
“Life is weird, so you never know.”
Momsen
She quickly followed that by adding another sentiment that immediately excited longtime fans:
“When Jim Carrey asks you to do something, you pay attention.”
Momsen
Unfortunately her comments don’t confirm a sequel is happening. In fact, Momsen also clarified that no project is currently in development. But still it reveals something important should a new project be underway. One of the main cast of the original film are still interested in revisiting the world of the Grinch. The problem now is if Carrey would ever want to endure that painstaking makeup ever again. I mean come on, CIA anti-torture training? Would he want to?
Related: Jim Carrey and Ron Howard Are Eyeing a Grinch Sequel at Universal
The Heart Behind Whoville: Taylor Momsen’s Memories of Filming with Jim Carrey
Even though she was only seven years old when they filmed How the Grinch Stole Christmas she has some clearcut memories of being on set with Carrey. Momsen has consistently said that Carrey as one of the kindest people on set. That gives much credit to Carrey who was absolutely miserable on that set after having to endure hours upon hours of makeup each day. He was still well enough that he was kind and not grumpy as you’d expect. In fact he probably saved all that grump for filming when you think of it.
She says that because Carrey spent hours each day inside the elaborate Grinch makeup, she rarely saw him out of costume. As a child, she simply thought of him as “the Grinch” rather than one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. She joked that she never knew what he looked like until the premiere of the film when she had to have someone point him out to her.
He was incredibly protective throughout the filming.
One story has become especially memorable. When they shot the scariest moments of the film, the dramatic sled sequence, the practical sled rocked quite violently. They had it set up on a massive mechanical rig, basically think of the bull riding they have a some bars but put a sled on top of it. Once, while filming Momsen nearly slipped out.
According to her, Carrey immediately broke character, called for filming to stop, and rushed to make sure she was okay. Momsen has said that at that time she wasn’t frightened at all, but it was enough for Carrey to break character. So it must have been scary as heck.
She’s said he remained “very, very protective” throughout production. Constantly checking on her between takes and making sure she felt comfortable. The shoot was very physically demanding and he had enough heart to make sure that one little girl felt comfortable. He wanted to make sure she knew she had enough say and could speak up if she needed anything.
Related: “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” Already has Source Material for a Second Film
Where Are You Christmas
She remembers filming the song sequence “Where Are You Christmas?” with legendary composer James Horner. And she describes those recording sessions as the moment she truly fell in love with music. Looking back the time she spent in those recording studios was one of the most formative experiences of her life. Ultimately it would influence her to start the band The Pretty Reckless. And now you’re all caught up.
So Will there be a Grinch 2?
Though fans have obviously taken notice when hearing Momsen say she’d consider returning if Jim Carrey called, it’s still too early to say that it’s 100% possible. Her statements are driven solely by nostalgia. Rooted in a positive experience shared by two performers whose on-screen chemistry helped create one of the defining holiday films of probably a life time. So will there be a Grinch 2? We come back to the “if Jim Carrey asks” part and that’s a big IF. So no, at this point there won’t be. But that doesn’t account for what tomorrow’s news will bring.
