About this Event
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Rated PG - 2:20 pm Matinee - Starring Jim Carrey
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Doors: 2:00 • Screening: 2:20 pm Matinee
Before his death in 1991, Dr. Seuss consistently declined offers to sell the film rights to his books. However, following his passing, his widow Audrey Geisel began entertaining several merchandising deals, including clothing lines, accessories and CDs. In July 1998, her agents made a significant announcement: the film rights to How the Grinch Stole Christmas would be auctioned. The terms were stringent—suitors had to be willing to pay $5 million upfront, 4% of the box-office gross, 50% of merchandising revenue, 70% of book tie-in profits, and music-related income. In addition, any actor considered for the role of the Grinch had to be of a similar stature to Jack Nicholson, Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Adam Sandler or Jim Carrey. Only directors or writers who had previously earned at least $1 million on a previous project were eligible to participate.
Several studios and filmmakers pitched their vision for the live-action Grinch. 20th Century Fox, with director Tom Shadyac and producers Dave Phillips and John Davis, pitched their version with Jack Nicholson in mind for the Grinch. The Farrelly brothers and John Hughes also submitted their own versions. Other studios such as Paramount Pictures and New Line Cinema were also interested in purchasing the film rights. Universal Pictures, represented by Brian Grazer and Gary Ross, also made a presentation, but all offers were initially rejected by Geisel. Grazer, however, enlisted his producing partner, Ron Howard, to join negotiations. Though Howard was initially uninterested in a live-action Grinch and was focused on adapting The Sea-Wolf, Grazer convinced him to visit Geisel for a pitch.While reviewing the book, Howard became intrigued by Cindy Lou Who’s character and developed a vision for a film with an expanded role for her, a deeper portrayal of the Whos, and a more fleshed-out backstory for the Grinch.
Running Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
General Admission - seating on floor level
$7 per person
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave, Lubbock, United States
USD 9.96
