The animated feature is scheduled for release by Universal November 10, 2017. Pete Candeland directed the film for Illumination Entertainment.
Theodore Geisel's classic book has been the basis for an animated TV holiday special, a Broadway musical (starring Patrick Page) and a live-action feature (starring Jim Carrey).
The plot concerns the Grinch's fiendish plan to steal Christmas from the holiday-loving Whos. However, the Grinch soon discovers there's more to Christmas than he once realized. The animated special included such tunes as “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome, Christmas.” Broadway composer Albert Hague (Plain and Fancy, Redhead) penned the music to the TV songs, which had lyrics by Seuss.
Cumberbatch is well-known for playing the title role in BBC's Sherlock and his Oscar-nominated film performance as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game. Stage credits include After the Dance and Frankenstein (both at London’s National Theatre).
