Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, the masterminds behind the 2000 hit film How the Grinch Stole Christmas, are set to reunite for a highly anticipated sequel. The duo recently sat down for a conversation at the UCLA Entertainment Symposium, where they discussed their plans for the new film and shared their thoughts on the current state of the cinema industry.
According to Howard, the idea for the sequel has been in the works for some time, and the pair is excited to bring it to life. "It's something we've thought about for a long time, and you know what, it's an idea that got all five or six of the brain trust excited. So it's worth a try," he said. Grazer added that the sequel will see Jim Carrey reprising his role as the Grinch, despite the challenges he faced during the production of the first film.
Carrey's experience with the extensive makeup and contacts required to become the Grinch was well-documented, and at one point, he even considered quitting the project. However, with the help of an expert who teaches State Department personnel how to survive torture, Carrey was able to develop methods to cope with the discomfort and push through the challenging scenes.
The conversation also touched on the rise of YouTube filmmakers and the impact of technology on the cinema industry. Howard noted that the current moment feels like an "Easy Rider moment," with a new generation of filmmakers emerging and bringing fresh perspectives to the table. Grazer, on the other hand, was more skeptical, arguing that simply chasing after YouTubers won't work and that the format is not that different from other things that have happened in the past.
Despite their differing views, both Howard and Grazer agree that the people who are breaking through right now are those who have put in the time and effort to develop their craft. "The people who are breaking through right now are people who've done hours and hours and hours, talk about your 10,000 hours. They've been filming — they have chops but the big question is, are they going to choose the right stories?" Howard said.
The transition from traditional media to digital platforms is a key aspect of the current cinema landscape, and the rise of the creator economy is playing a significant role in this shift. As more and more filmmakers turn to YouTube and other digital platforms to showcase their work, the lines between traditional and digital media are becoming increasingly blurred.
In this context, the Grinch sequel can be seen as a symbol of the enduring power of traditional cinema, while also acknowledging the importance of adapting to changing times and embracing new technologies. As the cinema industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how filmmakers like Howard and Grazer navigate this new landscape and what stories they will choose to tell.
