Ariana Grande and Josh Gad have officially been cast for voice roles in the highly anticipated animated feature Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, inspired by Dr. Seuss’s cherished children’s book. This exciting project is a collaboration between Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, and Bad Robot. The announcement came via Warner Bros.' Instagram, stating, “@arianagrande & @joshgad – Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Directed by @jonmchu, with original songs by @PasekandPaul. Coming to IMAX in 2028🎈.”
Originally published in 1990, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is one of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved works, resonating with readers of all ages. The whimsical narrative follows a young protagonist, who symbolizes the reader, as they embark on a journey through life. Throughout the story, the character encounters a myriad of experiences, both uplifting and challenging, reflecting the realities of life.
Upon its release, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! soared to the top of The New York Times Best-Selling Fiction Hardcover list, solidifying Dr. Seuss’s status as a literary icon. He joins the ranks of other notable authors like John Steinbeck and James Patterson, having both fiction and nonfiction works attain the 1 spot.
The animated adaptation is directed by Jon M. Chu, alongside co-director Jill Culton. Set to hit the big screen in IMAX on March 17, 2028, the film's screenplay has been adapted by Rob Lieber from Dr. Seuss’ final book. The project is being produced by J.J. Abrams and Gregg Taylor from Bad Robot, adding to the film's impressive pedigree.
Enhancing the film's magic, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for their work on La La Land, are crafting original songs for this adaptation. Their involvement signals a commitment to delivering a captivating musical experience that aligns with the whimsical spirit of the source material.
Ariana Grande, who recently received her first Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Glinda in the Chu-directed Universal musical Wicked, is set to reprise her role in its sequel, Wicked: For Good, scheduled for release on November 21. Additionally, she has been cast in the next installment of the Meet the Parents franchise, starring alongside Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller.
Meanwhile, Josh Gad is busy with several upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated Spaceballs sequel for Amazon, where he will both star and produce. He is also involved in Paramount’s Adulthood and Disney’s Frozen 3.
Both Ariana Grande and Josh Gad are represented by CAA, with Grande also having representation from Good World Management and Myman Greenspan Fox, while Gad is represented by Range Media Partners and Johnson, Shapiro, Slewett & Kole.