The mystery surrounding Cindy Lou Who's father in 2018's The Grinch has been the center of many questions from those who watched the animated movie.
In The Grinch, the titular grumpy creature (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) sets out on a mission to steal the spirit of Christmas away from the citizens of Whoville, but his plan gets derailed after six-year-old Cindy Lou Who (voiced by Cameron Seely) makes him realize what the holiday is truly about.
Where Is Cindy Lou Who's Dad In the New Grinch?
Cindy Lou Who is a loving daughter to her single mother and a caring sister to her twin brothers in The Grinch.
Realizing that her mother is always tired of looking after her brothers and the house's finances, Cindy decides to take matters into her own hands by writing a letter to Santa Claus to help her mother.
Amid Cindy's attempt to improve her mother's life ahead of Christmas, it is apparent that her father is nowhere to be found and is not mentioned throughout the animated movie.
While the film does not address the whereabouts of Cindy's father, it is implied that her dad has been absent for a while now, and her mother is keeping everything together in the household.
The absence of Cindy's father further justifies why she is determined to seek Santa Claus' help in easing the load (both physical and emotional) of her mother.
This is interesting because other versions of The Grinch movies depict Cindy as someone who has a reliable father.
For example, in 2000's How the Grinch Stole Christmas starring Jim Carrey, Cindy's father is present, and he is portrayed as a postmaster in Whoville.
In the film, Cindy's father, Lou Lou Who (played by Bill Irwin), defends her daughter from the corrupt mayor of Whoville after accusing her of helping the Grinch ruin Christmas.
Read more about the rumor surrounding the potential release of The Grinch 2 starring Jim Carrey.
Why Is Cindy Lou Who’s Father Absent in The Grinch?
2018's The Grinch did not directly explain why Cindy Lou Who's father is absent in the movie, but there are some theories as to why.
It is possible that the decision was made to depict other kinds of family units in media. By showcasing a single-mother household, it allows The Grinch to stand out.
It also gives the titular cave dweller something to relate to since Cindy's fatherless house would make the Grinch think that not every family in Whoville is ideal and perfect.
While noticing Cindy's fatherless home is not enough reason to bring back the Grinch's Christmas spirit in the movie, it is the sense of camaraderie and the togetherness of the people of Whoville that makes the awkward green creature realize that his bitterness would lead to nothing but hurt and neglection.
Thankfully, he realizes it before it's too late, and his turn to the light would not be possible without Cindy's desire to help her fatherless family.
Given that Cindy Lou Who's twin brothers don't resemble her at all, some have theorized that they are her half-siblings, which explains why her family is not complete since it is not ideal to have two fathers in one household.
Cindy's father might've ended up leaving her and her mother in the past due to an accidental pregnancy or he could've tragically died a long time ago. The same goes for the twins' dad who might have suffered either of those fates.
The Grinch is available for purchase on all major digital platforms.
