Move over, Jim Carrey — the Grinch is back, and this time he’s played by Benedict Cumberbatch.

Okay, “played” isn’t the right word. Benedict has simply lent his voice to the green grump, rather than worn heavy make-up like the Ace Ventura star did in the 2000 live-action film How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Even so, ever since it was announced our Ben would play the role, we’ve been wondering whether he can really pull it off. (Although it’s got to be said, “Benedict Cumberbatch” does sound like the name of an inhabitant of Whoville.)

A brief teaser released during the Winter Olympics last month gave us a glimpse of the newly animated Grinch in action:

Even a Grinch can dream. What are you dreaming for this Olympics? Be sure to tune in for full coverage of the #WinterOlympics on @NBCOlympics. pic.twitter.com/mSVprlYZJF

— The Grinch (@grinchmovie) February 9, 2018

There was just one catch: he didn’t say a word, so we still had no clue what he might sound with Benedict’s unmistakeable vocals.

Now, finally, we know. The first trailer for The Grinch was released this morning (March 8), and it shows the Grinch waking up (clearly, not a morning person) and heading into Whoville with his faithful hound Max:

He’s a mean one. #TheGrinch starring Benedict Cumberbatch, in theaters November 9. pic.twitter.com/QD4EmzJznU

— The Grinch (@grinchmovie) March 8, 2018

Hmm. That’s Benedict Cumberbatch doing his Alan Rickman impression, no?

The Grinch hits the big screen on 9 November 2018.

What do you think of Benedict as the Grinch?