Directed by Ron Howard, produced by Howard and Brian Grazer, and starring Jim Carrey, it is the first theatrical film based on a Dr. Seuss story. was originally planning to co-produce the film, but dropped out at the last minute. However, DreamWorks would internationally distribute another Universal/Imagine Dr. Seuss adaptation, The Cat In the Hat. Anthony Hopkins supplied narration similar to Boris Karloff's in the original, and the soundtrack included a new version of the original special's song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch".