Ariana Grande and Josh Gad to Star in Upcoming Dr. Seuss Adaptation

In a significant expansion of the cinematic universe surrounding Dr. Seuss, Warner Bros. has announced that acclaimed singer and actress Ariana Grande, alongside actor Josh Gad, will star in an adaptation of the beloved children's book "Oh, The Places You’ll Go!" Scheduled for release in 2028, the film will be a musical featuring original songs composed by the acclaimed duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for their work on "La La Land" and "The Greatest Showman." This announcement marks the first addition to the Seuss film franchise since 2018, with previous adaptations grossing over $1 billion collectively.

The film adaptation of "Oh, The Places You’ll Go!" will bring to life the story of a young protagonist navigating life’s challenges, a narrative that has resonated with audiences since the book's publication in 1990. According to Jon M. Chu, who directed Grande in the upcoming "Wicked" film, the project aims to explore themes of growth and adventure through a vibrant musical lens.

Grande and Gad, both of whom have established careers in entertainment, are expected to bring significant star power to the project. Gad, best known for voicing Olaf in Disney's "Frozen," expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Grande to create a fresh interpretation of Dr. Seuss's classic work. "It’s an honor to be part of a story that has inspired countless individuals to embrace their journeys," Gad stated during the announcement.

The film follows a successful trend of adapting Dr. Seuss's works into animated features and live-action films. The franchise's previous installments, such as "The Grinch" (2018) and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000), have been commercially successful, with the former grossing over $500 million at the global box office. Notably, "The Cat in the Hat," which will see a new adaptation released in February 2026, is one of the few entries that did not recoup its production costs, grossing $101.1 million against a $109 million budget.

The resurgence of interest in Dr. Seuss adaptations can be attributed to the enduring popularity of his literature, which has transcended generations. As noted by Dr. Emily Thompson, a professor of Children's Literature at Columbia University, "Dr. Seuss's books are not only entertaining but also provide valuable life lessons, making them perfect for adaptation into film."

Seuss Enterprises, which manages the licensing of Dr. Seuss's works, has formed a lucrative partnership with Warner Bros. for this new project, with potential for additional financial gains based on the film's box office performance. The expansion of the Seuss cinematic universe is expected to attract both children and adult audiences, leveraging nostalgia while introducing new generations to the whimsical world created by Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.

As the entertainment industry continues to embrace adaptations of classic literature, the collaboration between Grande and Gad stands as a promising endeavor that seeks to blend music, storytelling, and animation in a way that honors the legacy of Dr. Seuss. With the film set for a 2028 release, anticipation is already building among fans and industry analysts alike, eager to see how this beloved story will be reimagined for the big screen.