During Wednesday’s Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical!, viewers were treated to plenty of bright colors, singing, and of course festive holiday cheer. Matthew Morrison played the legendary Grinch, and while his performance had all the comedy and crankiness that fans have come to expect from the character, it also had a certain je ne sais quoi that left some viewers uncomfortable.
In an Entertainment Weekly interview leading up to the premiere, Morrison said his Grinch was inspired by Joaquin Phoenix. “I didn’t want the Grinch to be a good dancer,” he tells EW. “I took a lot from Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in Joker.”
While Morrison’s Grinch was unique, many viewers complained on social media that it was also too sexual. Morrison did quite a bit of heavy breathing, moaning, and 4th wall breaking. Plus there was the occasional hip-thrust during his performance.
i’m literally gonna need to see my therapist after watching matthew morrison put so much sexual energy into the grinch😭
— Catie (@catiemerklee) December 10, 2020
The Grinch live was Matthew Morrison moaning for and occasionally whipping BooBoo Stewart for two hours I’ve never felt so uncomfortable in my entire life
— 🖤 (@softchelles) December 10, 2020
Mathew Morrison is being sexual in the grinch. It’s a choice. A good one? No.
— Stacys mom (@CharlotteTesla) December 10, 2020
Even though there was a viewer who literally created a Twitter account to comment on how uncomfortable the performance made her, most people enjoyed it. “He’s actually doing a good job,” wrote one viewer. “I can’t tell if the Grinch is trying to be creepy or sexy but it’s an enjoyable ride.”
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical! aired Wednesday night at 8 p.m. on NBC.
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