Benedict Cumberbatch has been tapped to play the role of The Grinch in the 2017 animated movie that will carry the same name. The Grinch producer Chris Meledandri broke the news during CinemaCon this week.
The Grinch, for audiences who might be too young or who never read the book in their youth, is based on a 1957 picture book by author Dr. Seuss named How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It tells the tale of a green creature who lives in the mountains (The Grinch) above a town named Whoville. The gist of the story is simple: The Grinch hates Christmas but, thanks to the help of a young girl, he eventually warms up to the idea of the holiday. A feature-length film was first released in 2000.
According to EW, Meledandri said Cumberbatch was tapped because his voice is capable of portraying “comedic wickedness while embodying vulnerability,” which is exactly the style needed the play a character like The Grinch.
Source: EW