Everyone’s favourite Christmas-stealing villain is back with a vengeance and a new voice, so hide your ornaments. The Grinch, an adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday story by Illumination, debuts in theatres on November 9 and stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the new Grinch.
Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Pharrell Williams, and Angela Lansbury are the other voice actors that will work with Cumberbatch on Whos. The iconic 1966 TV movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas and the live-action Jim Carrey starring of the same name were the two movies that came before the animated adaptation of the narrative.
The Hollywood Reporter breaks down who is voicing who in Whoville in the season’s spirit, or anti-spirit.
Angela Lansbury as the Mayor of Whoville
Lansbury has been chosen as Whoville’s first female mayor. The seasoned animator assumes over as the fearless mayor of the vibrant tiny town tasked with guarding her people and Christmas from the Grinch’s wicked schemes. She will next be featured in Mary Poppins Returns, a remake of another children’s classic starring Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Benedict Cumberbatch as Grinch
With some extra comedic timing, Cumberbatch loses his British accent in favour of the green grouch’s distinctive sneer. Imitation Game actor Benedict Cumberbatch has experimented in voice acting; some of his prior projects include the Hobbit films and Penguins of Madagascar. However, The Grinch marks his first step into the Dr. Seuss canon. His upcoming vocal project will bring Shere Khan to life for Warner Bros.’ Mowgli.
Cameron Seely as Cindy Lou Who
The newest young actress to represent Whoville’s nicest resident is Seely, a newcomer. In the 2000 live-action adaptation, Gossip Girl alumna Taylor Momsen last brought Cindy’s recognisable gravity-defying haircut and loving heart to the big screen. Seely is also Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams’ fictional daughter from the hit musical “The Greatest Showman.”
Kenan Thompson as Bricklebaum
The veteran of Saturday Night Live will play the chirpy Bricklebaum in the voice cast. Among Thompson’s numerous voice acting credits are The Smurfs, Space Chimps, and Wonder Pets! He will next be heard in Wonder Park with Mila Kunis, John Oliver, Jennifer Garner, and Ken Jeong.
Pharrell Williams as the Narrator
Without the (unseen) narrator, no Seuss story would be complete. And singer-songwriter Williams is the ideal person to perform the poet’s well-known lines. The Happy singer has a history with Illumination, having previously contributed his talents to the soundtracks of The Secret Life of Pets and all three Despicable Me films.
Rashida Jones as Donna
Donna, the devoted single mother of Cindy Lou Who, is voiced by Jones. She has performed as a voice actress on Inside Out, The Simpsons, Robot Chicken, and The Cleveland Show. She is a Parks and Recreation alumnus. She presently appears in the comedy-crime show Angie Tribeca on TBS.
