Benedict Cumberbatch definitely has a voice that could make your blood run cold, should he speak to you with a certain enunciation.
He is every effective, whether as a menacing, gold-hoarding dragon, Smaug, in two of The Hobbit films, which is probably why Cumberbatch was chosen once again to lend his voice to a semi-villainous character in a full-feature animation slated for release in 2017.
Chris Meledandri's Illumination Entertainment, under Universal Pictures, announced on April 13 at the CinemaCon that the studio is remaking the animated version of Dr. Seuss' classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Cumberbatch will be voicing none other than the Grinch himself.
Benedict Cumberbatch voices The Grinch in the new Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. 11.10.17. pic.twitter.com/TOuSLc7AWp
— Universal Pictures (@UniversalPics) April 14, 2016
When asked about how the planned animated version will differ from Jim Carrey's How the Grinch Stole Christmas in 2000, Meledandri said that the live action adaptation in 2000 was focused a bit more on how the commercialization of Christmas affects people.
"What we've set out to do with this telling of the Grinch is make it both modern and traditional at the same time. ... I view it more from a character perspective," Meledandri said. "It's the simple question of whether or not innocence can transform cynicism."
He also added that their choice in who will voice the Grinch should immediately suggest how distinct the film would come out as.
"I love the sort of wicked comedic aspect ... there's an undeniable appeal in the character in spite of that kind of wicked persona," he added.
In that case, Cumberbatch is indeed perfect for the role because he has already proven how well he can mix cynicism, snarkiness and brilliance in one role in BBC's adaptation of Sherlock where he plays the titular character.
Illumination Entertainment's adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is scheduled for release on Nov. 10, 2017.
