It’s hard to believe now, but years before 2000’s seminal holiday classic,How the Grinch Stole Christmastook the box office by storm,adaptations ofDr. Seussstorieson the big screen were nearly impossible to get off the ground. Sure, authorTheodore Geiselhimself oversaw the production ofcertain televised outings, but following the imaginative writer’s passing, his widow,Audrey Geisel, was staunchly protective with her late husband’s work both before and after theJim Carreymovie.The Cat in the Hatquickly put an end to live actionSeuss movies, and started the trend of the stories leaning too far away from the deeper meaning of their source material, in order to create more lavish and “fun” worlds. However,Warner Brothers’ upcoming 2028 version ofOh, The Places You’ll Go!is finally poised to change that!
Jon M. Chu Is the Perfect Director for ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go'
Dr. Seuss movies have always yielded differing results. WhileRon Howard’sHow the Grinch Stole Christmaswas an undeniable success, as wasThe Lorax,The Cat in the HatandThe Grinchreceived less than favorable reviews. However, even the best Seuss-based pictures have their faults. Often, the films have focused too much on spectacle, humor and runtime-padding, spending too much time away from the story’s major point, or deviating from it completely. It may be a classic now, but even 2000’sHow the Grinch Stole Christmaswas criticized for being too focused on humor and set-up at the time of release. One can’t fault Howard for this, however, as his efforts are nothing short of spectacular. ButSeuss films that followed have focused even more on this mode of storytelling.
Here’s Why We Never Saw Any Live Action Dr. Seuss Movies After ‘The Cat in the Hat’
The Cat, Thing Two, and Thing One ensured this franchise was soon to be done.
The Cat in the Hatin particular completely lost the charm of the story in lieu of creating chaos and zany fun, an effort that ultimately failed. However,Jon M. Chu’s involvementas a co-director along withJill Culton, bodes well for the new, animated musical adaptation ofOh, The Places You’ll Go!Chu has already proven that he’s a master of adaptation. Hisiconic take onCrazy Rich Asiansis a genius mix of thematic strength, taking what readers loved about the book, and screen spectacle that made the film an unforgettable experience. 2024’s megahit,Wicked, proved to be an even more difficult adaptation, spending 21 years in development hell before Chu stepped in as director. The musical’s lengthy Broadway run has given many a solidified image of what the film should be. ButChu managed to retain the magic of the stage show, while ultimately improving on the material. Indeed, Chu andOh, The Places You’ll Gomay very well be a match made in Heaven, especially considering how special the piece is.
‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go’ Is One of Dr. Seuss’ Most Meaningful Books
While the book certainly has plenty of adventure,Oh, The Places You’ll Goshouldn’t be a film that is merely “fun.” Sure, most of Seuss’ stories have educational value, but in the case ofOh, The Places You’ll Go, the book is much deeper. Following our unnamed protagonist, the book isa metaphor for life’s highs and lows. One of the reasons it resonates with young readers still to this day is how vast its themes are. Sure, there is a lot of joy in it, but sadness is also reflected in the story, as well as anxiety. And sometimes, it’s downrightfrightening for its age group. Each of those themes are equally important as the book’s more fun side, and, in many ways, they’re evenmorecrucial.The way Seuss used his vivid imagery and clever language to insinuate life’s challenges is nothing short of extraordinary, considering it was written for an early reading audience. To pull focus from any of these more serious themes would be an absolute betrayal of the material and Seuss’ legacy.
Luckily,the book is in good hands. Not only has Chu proven a master at adapting precious material, he’s also proven he can take even the most beloved properties and improve them.Considering the depth and metaphor that makesOh, The Places You’ll Goa classic, this movie could very well be the most special of Seuss’ work.
Oh, The Places You’ll Gowill arrive in theaters in 2028. Stay tuned to Collider for all the latest updates.
