Benedict Cumberbatch to voice ‘The Grinch’

British actor Benedict Cumberbatch will voice the titular character, ‘The Grinch’, in Illumination Entertainment’s new animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ children’s book How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, which is set for release next year.

Universal broke the news at its CinemaCon presentation on Wednesday, reports aceshowbiz.com. 

Illumination chairman Chris Meledandri, who will also produce the new ‘Grinch’ movie, said that Cumberbatch had a voice that exudes “comedic wickedness while embodying vulnerability.” The character was famously portrayed by actor Jim Carrey in the 2000 live-action adaptation. 

The ‘Sherlock’ star previously lent his voice to both Smaug the Dragon and the Necromancer in The Hobbit movies. Cumberbatch has recently wrapped up the filming for Marvel’s film Doctor Strange. The news was announced by Illumination Entertainment, which produced Minions.