Imagine one of the most iconic, grumpy characters in literature being used to warm up the hearts of holiday shoppers. That's exactly what Walmart is doing this Black Friday, with Walton Goggins stepping into the furry green shoes of The Grinch. But here's where it gets intriguing: Goggins, known for his complex roles in shows like The Shield and Justified, didn’t take this role lightly. In fact, he admits it was a daunting task, given The Grinch’s status as a beloved literary figure. “When they brought up this idea, I just howled,” he confessed, his initial excitement quickly turning to anxiety over the responsibility of portraying such an iconic character.
Goggins’ journey into becoming The Grinch wasn’t just about slipping into a costume. He immersed himself in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, carrying the book with him for weeks to truly understand the character’s transformation from a holiday-hating hermit to someone who discovers the true meaning of Christmas. But the real breakthrough came during the prosthetic application process, which took over two hours. “Once we settled on the face, I asked if I could be alone. My grin told me who he wanted to be,” Goggins recalled. He began to see The Grinch not as a villain, but as someone “just irritated, slightly annoyed,” a relatable figure his wife even described as someone she’d want to hang out with.
Walmart’s strategy here is no accident. In recent years, the retail giant has leaned into pop culture to grab attention during the holiday season. From reuniting the cast of Mean Girls to reviving Office Space, Walmart has turned Black Friday into a mini-entertainment event. Last year, they even launched a ten-part ad series featuring stars like Taye Diggs and Ian Somerhalder, nodding to shows like Bridgerton and Yellowstone. But let’s be clear: the real stars of these campaigns are the deals. This year, Walmart is offering a 10-in-1 game table set for $149.99 (originally $381.99), a Flashforge Adventurer 3D printer for $229 (down from $799), and an iHome towel warmer for just $34.24. But here’s the controversial part: Is using beloved characters like The Grinch to sell products a clever marketing move or a cynical exploitation of nostalgia?
Goggins, for his part, has become a go-to actor for big brands like GoDaddy and Doritos. Early in his career, he admits he was “fearful” of doing ads, but a conversation with Samuel L. Jackson changed his perspective. Jackson advised him to “stand in front of a mirror” and find his unique way to deliver the message. “That’s my strength,” Goggins says, “not to play into somebody else’s idea of how to communicate, but to do it my way.” When asked if he’d reprise the role, Goggins admits he had a blast, but ultimately, “that decision is way above my pay grade.”
So, what do you think? Is Walmart’s use of The Grinch a stroke of genius or a step too far? Let us know in the comments—we’re curious to hear your take!
