Jim Carrey Open To Playing The Grinch Again — But Only With Motion Capture

Jim Carrey has revealed that he would love to reprise his iconic role as the Grinch — under one condition: no makeup. In a recent interview with ComicBook.com, Carrey shared that while he still holds affection for the character, the physical transformation required for the 2000 hit How the Grinch Stole Christmas was grueling. Instead, he expressed interest in using motion capture to bring the Grinch back to life.

Carrey described the makeup process as “excruciating” and recalled how he could “hardly breathe” during the transformation. “It was for the kids,” Carrey admitted, explaining that the thought of entertaining children kept him going despite the discomfort. Advances in technology, like motion capture, now offer a way to avoid the painstaking hours in the makeup chair, which is why Carrey believes revisiting the Grinch is now more feasible than ever. “Anything is possible in this world,” he remarked.

The 2000 film, directed by Ron Howard, grossed $346 million worldwide and became the highest-grossing film of the year in the U.S. While the movie was a commercial success, the experience took a toll on both Carrey and the makeup team.

While the movie picked up three Oscar nominations and won for makeup and hairstyling, transforming Jim Carrey into the Grinch was not a pleasant experience. It was “excruciating” for the actor and a headache for special effects makeup artist Kazuhiro Tsuji. Tsuji later revealed that he needed therapy after working with Carrey on the film due to the actor’s difficult behavior in the makeup chair. The demanding process and Carrey’s frustrations took a toll on both men, creating an environment of tension and stress.

“In the makeup trailer, he just suddenly stands up and looks in the mirror, and pointing to his chin, he goes, ‘This color is different from what you did yesterday,’” Tsuji once told Vulture. “I was using the same color I used yesterday. He says, ‘Fix it.’ And okay, you know, I ‘fixed’ it. Every day was like that.”

Eventually, Tsuji became so exhausted by Carrey's behavior that head makeup artist Rick Baker allowed him to take a hiatus. During his break, Carrey called Tsuji personally to ask him to return. Upon his return, Carrey kept his temper in check for the remainder of filming. Even so, Tsuji reflected afterward, “If I had a choice, I would not be in this mental state all the time.”

With modern technology offering a new way to embody the Grinch, fans may get the chance to see Carrey return to Whoville — this time, without the green paint and discomfort.

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Source: Variety

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures