Way back when The Lorax struck a chord with audiences last spring, it was announced that sights were set on handing Illumination Entertainment the keys to How the Grinch Stole Christmas for an animated revival. While initial reaction was mostly disbelief considering Jim Carrey just took on the title role about a decade ago, there was also some acceptance in that the pic could have been better. That said, the wheels have somehow not fallen off the project yet as it was reported yesterday that animation director Pete Candeland who served as an animator on Disney’s Aladdin and Bonkers television series’ in the 90′s would be getting his first major gig at the helm.
Do not get too excited though, as it appears as if fans of Dr. Seuss will have to wait almost three years for this one. The safe money puts a release date in December 2015 which marks the near-50th anniversary for the television adaptation from director Chuck Jones. The original air date was December 18, 1966 which might make a proper sell on the topic to movie goers a bit difficult, but it is hard to imagine the retail marketing campaign will miss at the opportunity. Either way, this is a pretty big deal for Universal and Illumination which is quickly becoming ‘the animator of choice for an entire generation’ as its rivals (DWA and Pixar) go for bloat over substance.