Few holiday movies have left as lasting a mark as How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Ron Howard’s live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic tale became an annual favorite, thanks largely to Jim Carrey’s transformative turn as the green misanthrope and a touching performance from a then-seven-year-old Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou Who.
Nearly 25 years later, both the film and its signature song, “Where Are You Christmas?”, continue to define the modern Christmas season.
Now, Momsen is returning to that world in a new way. The former child actor turned rock musician has re-recorded “Where Are You Christmas?” with her band, The Pretty Reckless. But this time, the emotional ballad from the original film has been transformed into a gritty, guitar-heavy version that brings a rock edge to one of the most recognizable holiday songs of the past two decades.
In a nostalgic twist, the new recording also features Momsen “duetting” with her younger self, using her original vocals from the 2000 movie. Written by Mariah Carey, James Horner, and Will Jennings, the song became a centerpiece of the original soundtrack, with Faith Hill’s single version dominating the charts that year.
Check out the new version of “Where Are You Christmas?” below:
Related: Jim Carrey’s The Grinch Finally Returns—but It’s Not Really for Kids… : Disney Fanatic
The reimagining comes as The Grinch finds renewed interest each holiday season through streaming and special screenings, while talk of a sequel continues to circulate. Jim Carrey has maintained that although he has no interest in enduring the heavy prosthetics again, he would consider reprising the role through motion capture — similar to his performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in the 3D animated film Disney’s A Christmas Carol (2009).
Momsen’s return to the song is a full-circle moment for both the artist and fans who grew up with the film. The new version of “Where Are You Christmas?” features on the upcoming holiday EP “Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas”, which includes four original songs and two Grinch classics. It releases on October 31.
Whether or not the Grinch ever makes it back to the big screen, however, remains to be seen.
Are you a fan of The Grinch? Would you like to see Taylor Momsen and Jim Carrey reunite for a sequel? What do you think of the new track? Let us know your thoughts down below!
