When Walmart dropped its holiday campaign for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, fans were surprised — and a little delighted — to see Walton Goggins taking on one of the most iconic Christmas characters of all time: the Grinch. The 2025 “WhoKnewVille” campaign puts a fresh twist on Dr. Seuss’s story, and here's everything you need to know about the actor behind the green fur.
Walton Goggins: The Face (Green and All) of Walmart’s Grinch
Walton Goggins, known for his versatile acting career in hit shows like The White Lotus and Fallout, embodies Walmart’s Grinch in its newly launched “WhoKnewVille” holiday spot.
According to interviews, when Walmart first approached him about playing this legendary Dr. Seuss character, he felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. Stepping into “those green furry shoes” wasn’t easy — but clearly, he nailed it.
A Fresh Spin on the Grinch — Goggins’ Take
Walton Goggins’ Grinch isn’t just the grumpy, Christmas-hating monster of classic lore. In Walmart’s version, he’s more nuanced — a little sophisticated, with a smooth, jazzy flair.
He describes his Grinch as someone who “walks around like he’s part of the Rat Pack,” referencing old-school charm rather than pure misanthropy.
Goggins even leaned into the theatrics: the prosthetic makeup, the full transformation, and the character’s voice and movement. He also said that when the makeup team finally put on the green prosthetic nose, everything clicked — “I knew exactly who my Grinch was.”
The Creative Story Behind the Campaign
Walmart’s holiday campaign is called “WhoKnewVille”, a Dr. Seuss–inspired world created in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
Publicis Groupe, including agencies Fallon, Leo New York, Contender, and Digitas, produced the campaign, and it was directed by Marc Webb.
In the film, Mindy Lou Who (a reimagined Cindy Lou Who) enlists the Grinch — Goggins — to help spread the word about Walmart’s Black Friday deals in WhoKnewVille.
Why Walton Goggins Was a Great Fit
1. Fan Comparisons Turned Reality
For months, social media users pointed out how Goggins looks eerily like the Grinch — especially after seeing him on magazine covers. When Walmart offered him the role, he admitted that putting on the full Grinch makeup finally made the resemblance undeniable.
2. Acting Range & Commitment
Goggins is no stranger to deep, transformative roles. From gritty drama to dark comedy, he brings emotional depth to his characters — and his dedication to embodying the Grinch (makeup, voice, movement) shows he didn’t phone it in.
3. A Unique Grinch for a Modern Campaign
By casting Goggins, Walmart isn’t just going for nostalgia — but a modern, slightly cheeky reinterpretation of Dr. Seuss’s icon. His Grinch is grumpy, sure; but he’s also polished, cunning, and oddly charming.
Behind the Scenes: What Went Into Making the Ad
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Production Team: The ad was created by a coalition of top-tier agencies and shot under the direction of Marc Webb.
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Makeup Magic: The transformation wasn’t easy — Goggins reportedly spent three hours in the makeup chair to achieve the Grinch look.
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Character Development: He didn’t just wear the costume; he worked on walk, voice, and temperament to portray a Grinch who’s more complex and a little less villainous than traditional versions.
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Tone: The spot is playful but polished — Goggins’ Grinch isn't purely scornful. His lines include comedy, sass, and a surprising dose of heart.
What the Media Is Saying — And Why It Matters
Media outlets have praised the move to hire a respected actor like Goggins to play such a beloved character. Some have called his performance “career-making” — not just for its boldness but for how well he sells the idea that even a Grinch can help spread holiday cheer.
From a marketing perspective, the campaign is also smart: merging Grinch lore with Black Friday sales gives Walmart a powerful storytelling hook right at the start of the holiday shopping season.
Why This Grinch Role Matters for the U.S. Audience
For U.S. customers, this Walmart campaign arrives at a culturally resonant moment: Black Friday remains one of the most anticipated retail events of the year. By placing the Grinch — a classic Christmas figure — at the center of their Black Friday narrative, Walmart taps into both nostalgia and urgency.
Goggins, a well-known American actor, adds legitimacy and star power. His involvement helps Walmart not only reach loyal Seuss fans but also engage broader audiences who know him from television and film.
Plus, the tone of the campaign — whimsical, slightly irreverent, but ultimately warm — aligns well with American consumers’ holiday mood. It’s not just about deals; it’s about story, character, and a shared sense of festive fun.
Walton Goggins Is the Grinch — and It Works
To answer the big question: Yes, Walton Goggins plays the Grinch in Walmart’s 2025 “WhoKnewVille” Black Friday commercial. His performance is a thoughtful, modern, and humorous take on the classic Dr. Seuss character — and it’s clearly resonating.
By casting Goggins, Walmart isn’t just selling deals; they’re leaning into storytelling, star power, and the emotional weight of holiday traditions. Whether you love the Grinch or you roll your eyes at Christmas commercials, this one is hard to ignore.