Benedict Cumberbatch to Voice the Grinch

Yes, we’re getting another adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but like the better of the two previous versions, this one will be animated, the way the good cinema lords intended. And in another bit of optimistic news, Benedict Cumberbatch will lend his voice to the title character, a greedy, mean old grinch who has a very valuable lesson to learn about Christmas spirit.

Via THR, Universal Pictures made the casting announcement during their Illumination Entertainment presentation, focusing on the studio’s animated projects. How the Grinch Stole Christmas is based on Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s book, which centers on the eponymous curmudgeonly character who despises festive celebrations and sets out on Christmas Eve to spitefully “steal Christmas” from the citizens of Whoville. But when they refuse to let his actions spoil their holiday cheer, the Grinch learns the true meaning of Christmas Spirit. (Spoiler: His heart grows three sizes that day.)

Cumberbatch will voice the Grinch, following in the footsteps of Jim Carrey, who starred in Ron Howard’s live-action adaptation, and Boris Karloff, who voiced the character in Chuck Jones’ classic 1966 animated version. Universal’s animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas is being directed by Pete Candeland, who previously worked as an animator on films like Tank Girl and The Wind in the Willows, as well as Disney’s Aladdin TV series. He also helmed the “Stylo” video for the Gorillaz, featuring Mos Def and Bobby Womack.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas will make your heart grow three sizes (or maybe just one) on November 17, 2017.