LOS ANGELES, California – Universal Pictures’ THE GRINCH, starring Jim Carrey, was the number one film at the U.S. box-office over the last weekend with a
staggering estimated gross of $55.1 million in its first three days of
release. This strong showing not only makes THE GRINCH the weekend box-
office champion, but also establishes a number of record firsts for the
film.
THE GRINCH has earned the best non-holiday opening in November,
the greatest opening for a non-sequel, the biggest opening ever for the
film’s star Jim Carrey, and the eighth biggest weekend opening of all
time. The Imagine Entertainment production, known formally in its U.S.
release as Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, is based on the
beloved children’s book by Theodor S. Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss. The film
is directed by Ron Howard (Apollo 13, Ransom) and produced by Brian
Grazer (The Nutty Professor, Liar Liar).
This extraordinary opening of THE GRINCH, taking in more than twice the
receipts of its nearest competitor, also marks the fifth Universal
Pictures release in a row to take the number one spot at the U.S. box-
office on its opening weekend. THE GRINCH led the weekend’s group of new
releases to the greatest three-day box-office total of all time for a
non-holiday weekend.
THE GRINCH is a vibrant and spectacular story set in the fantastic world
of Whoville. A curmudgeonly recluse whose heart is two sizes too small,
the Grinch resides in his cave high atop Mt. Crumpit with his dog Max.
Annoyed by the out-of-control Christmas festivities in Whoville, the
Grinch conspires to deprive the Who’s of their favourite holiday, but
comes to learn that the spirit of Christmas goes much deeper than tinsel
and toys.
In addition to Jim Carrey in the title role, THE GRINCH also stars
Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Bill Irwin, Molly Shannon and Taylor
Momsen. The screenplay for THE GRINCH was written by Jeffrey Price and
Peter S. Seaman, and the extraordinary special make-up effects were
designed by five-time Academy Award(r)-winner Rick Baker. The original
score was composed by James Horner, recipient of multiple Academy
Awards(r), Golden Globes, and Grammys.
