BBC News Online: Entertainment

Hopkins lands Grinch role

The British-born actor will tell the story of Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, due for release later this year.

Sir Anthony fills the role made famous by Boris Karloff, who narrated the memorable US TV special of the same name in the sixties.

The movie, to be directed by Ron Howard, also stars Molly Shannon, Christine Branski and Taylor Momsen.

Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas is set in the fictional town of Whoville, where the Whos live.

The Grinch, played by Carrey, is a mean-hearted recluse who lives in a cave on top of Mount Crumpit with his dog, Max.

He becomes annoyed when he finds out the Whos are having fun celebrating Christmas and tries to put a stop to the festivities.

The 1966 TV version of the movie has become embedded in American culture and is screened every Christmas.

Hopkins, who won an Academy Award for Silence of the Lambs, will provide a voiceover throughout the film, a combination of dialogue from the book and original narration.

He also stars in the forthcoming Silence of the Lambs sequel, Hannibal.

Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas is released in the UK on 1 December.