The film expands on the classic story, bringing to life the Grinch’s mischievous attempt to sabotage Christmas for the joyful residents of Whoville. Jim Carrey’s portrayal of the Grinch, a character isolated on a mountain due to childhood bullying by the town’s mayor, Augustus (played by Jeffrey Tambor), is both comedic and touching. Despite his grumpy demeanor, young Cindy Lou Who, portrayed by Taylor Momsen, sees something redeemable in the Grinch and invites him to a festive event in Whoville. When things go awry, the Grinch plots to steal Christmas by taking away the town’s holiday cheer and gifts. However, thanks to Cindy’s persistent kindness, the Grinch ultimately discovers the essence of the holiday spirit.

Behind the scenes, achieving this on-screen harmony was no small feat, especially under the watchful eye of Dr. Seuss’s widow, Audrey Geisel. Known for her protective stewardship of her late husband’s works, Geisel initially resisted selling the book rights for film adaptations, opting instead for animated television specials. It wasn’t until after Dr. Seuss’s passing in 1991 that she allowed an auction for the movie rights, setting stringent conditions.

Among her demands were substantial financial terms, including a percentage of music and merchandise royalties, a share of the box office profits, and a $5 million upfront fee. She also insisted that the Grinch be played by an actor of high stature, akin to Jack Nicholson, and that only directors with proven box office success be considered. Universal Studios met these terms by casting Jim Carrey and hiring Ron Howard to direct.

During his lifetime, Dr. Seuss refused to sell his books to the film industry, preferring to make animated TV specials from the material instead. After his passing on September 24, 1991, his widow, Audrey Geisel, agreed to auction off the rights to make a “Grinch” film. Among the many caveats she demanded was a cut of the film’s music and merchandising royalties, a slice of the box office receipts, and a $5 million upfront fee. On top of that, the actor playing the Grinch had to be of a high caliber — think Jack Nicholson — and no director who had made under a million dollars at the box office on their previous film would be considered for the project.

Universal agreed, securing Jim Carrey and Ron Howard to star and direct respectively. But Geisel retained control over the script and proceeded to make several cuts before it went into production. Things didn’t get any easier for the actors or the crew once the film was lensing. Carrey underwent hours of time in the make-up chair, spending 92 shooting days undergoing radical physical transformations that resulted in producer Brian Grazer looking up an expert that could help Carrey handle torture. Is it any wonder that his behavior caused a makeup man working on the film to seek therapy? 

Fortunately for everyone involved, the final film became a popular Christmastime classic and turned into the sixth highest-grossing film of 2000 worldwide, as well as one of the best Christmas movies ever for kids to watch, enduring to this day and making all of that strife worthwhile.