Benedict Cumberbatch to voice the Grinch in animated film

LOS ANGELES, April 14 (UPI) -- Benedict Cumberbatch has been named the new Grinch for an animated film by the studio who brought Minions and Despicable Me to the big screen.

Illumination studio chairman Christopher Melendrandri delivered the news Wednesday during Universal's presentation at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. He supported the decision to bring in the British Dr. Strange actor, saying his voice is capable of "comedic wickedness while embodying vulnerability," according to Entertainment Weekly.

The film will be a retelling of Dr. Seuss' book, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and will simply be titled The Grinch. News of the remake comes 16 years after Jim Carrey portrayed the green Christmas hater in the 2000 live action version.

Writer Michael LeSieur adapted the screenplay while Pete Candeland and Yarrow Cheney are set to co-direct, Illumination said.

The Grinch is set for a Nov. 10, 2017 release.