Anna Avgerinos / Staff reporter
Over the years, The Grinch has always been a fan favorite of all Christmas characters. As times change, the beloved green creature that stole Christmas has changed too. But what is more adored: the original character or the modernized ones?
The first time the Grinch came out to play on film, it was an instant hit and favorite for fans, old and new. Dr. Seuss’s how the Grinch stole Christmas! was directed and co-produced by Chuck Jones, who directed the popular films Tom and Jerry, Beep, beep, and directed lots of Bugs Bunny cartoons. It was released on December 18, 1966, right in time for the public to enjoy the film during the holiday season. Out of all the appearances the Grinch has made in his long life, this cartoon animation is easily one of the best and favorites to watch during the holidays.
With all the love this green-furred character was receiving, they couldn’t stop at an animated cartoon. With $123 million, director Ron Howard released How the Grinch stole Christmas in November 2000, the first live-action appearance of the Grinch. Starring Jim Carrey, actor, comedian, and artist, as the Grinch, the movie was also quick to become a fan favorite and one of the most played Christmas movies known. The film won many academy awards. Some include best makeup and hairstyling and people’s choice award for favorite comedic actor. Remember how much money it took to release? The movie made $345.1 million in profit, which easily paid off the initial cost.
In 2018, the Grinch revealed himself yet again, starring in an animated movie titled The Grinch. Directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney, the movie put the Grinch in a new light. Voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, actor, the movie displayed him in a way he had never been seen as before. In a way, the movie was more child-friendly, because the aspect of the Grinch scaring people because of how he looked and acted was missing. Many enjoyed this version because of how different it was from the original, while lovers of the classics felt as though some components were missing. But, like all the other films and writings of the Grinch, this movie followed suit in being put on the Christmas movie to-watch list for many families.
Did you think the Grinch was finally done showing up? Nope! A brand-new story is being released today! Directed by Steven LaMorte, The Mean One is a dark twist of the original telling, where Cindy Lou’s parents have been killed and the Grinch, renamed the Mean one, is returning to finish the job as the known Christmas killer. Playing the Grinch is actor David Howard Thornton, who recently starred in the horror film Terrifier 2. Horror movies have proved to be very popular and successful in 2022, and this movie has high expectations from Christmas and horror fans alike. But the movie twist also seems to have changed the character a lot; in his previous appearances, the story usually ends happily. But horror movies don’t usually conclude that way. Or will it?
Overall, most people that were asked if they preferred the original Grinch to the modernized versions picked the original because many grew up with it. The original cartoon and movie bring back good memories for many individuals and their families.
Feature image photo links: