01What happened

The story, straight

Universal and Imagine Entertainment are developing a sequel to the 2000 live-action film How the Grinch Stole Christmas, with Jim Carrey in talks to reprise his role and Ron Howard attached to produce and direct, The Hollywood Reporter reported on June 18. The script is being written by Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer, and David Mandel, who previously collaborated on the 2003 live-action The Cat in the Hat and shows including Barry, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Veep. The project does not yet have a title or release date.

Universal and Imagine Entertainment are making a sequel to the 2000 Grinch movie, and THR reported on June 18 that Jim Carrey is in talks to reprise the role. Ron Howard's back to produce and direct. The writers — Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer, and David Mandel — wrote the live-action Cat in the Hat and also worked on Barry, Curb, and Veep. No title or release date yet.

02Spread timeline

Where it actually started

Jun 18, 2026Origin
THR reports Universal and Imagine Entertainment are developing a Grinch sequel with Carrey in talks and Howard attached to direct.THR breaks the news that the sequel is in development
source
Jun 18, 2026
Kotaku covers the THR report, adding context on Carrey's semi-retirement and the writers' credits.Kotaku picks it up with extra context on the writers and Carrey's recent career
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03Source receipts

Every claim, linked

The Hollywood ReporterOriginal report on the Grinch sequel development, confirming Carrey in talks and Howard directing.
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KotakuCoverage adding detail on the writing team's credits and Carrey's semi-retirement status.
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TildesCommunity discussion thread linking to the THR report.
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04What's solid, what isn't

What's solid and what isn't

Confirmed
  • Universal and Imagine Entertainment are developing a sequel to the 2000 How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
  • Ron Howard is attached to produce and direct.
  • The script is being written by Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer, and David Mandel.
Disputed
  • Jim Carrey is in talks but has not officially signed on to reprise the Grinch role.
  • The sequel does not yet have a confirmed title or release date.

05Why it matters

The editorial take

The original How the Grinch Stole Christmas grossed $345 million worldwide and became a holiday staple. Carrey has been semi-retired, appearing selectively in the Sonic franchise, making his potential return a significant draw for Universal's holiday slate. The writer trio's comedy pedigree suggests the sequel may lean into the original's darker humor rather than the animated Illumination versions.

the 2000 Grinch made $345M and is basically a cultural institution at this point. Carrey's been picky about roles since semi-retiring — he only does Sonic now — so him coming back is a big deal. the writers' Curb and Barry backgrounds suggest this won't be a sanitized Illumination-style thing.