Bill Hader stars as the voice of the mischievous Cat in Warner Bros.’ new animated take on Dr. Seuss’ classic tale. The movie hits theaters in February 2026.
The Cat is back — and he’s bringing mayhem with him.
Warner Bros. Pictures Animation has released the first trailer for its upcoming movie The Cat in the Hat. This marks the studio’s first-ever animated take on Dr. Seuss’ famous children’s book. The film features Barry and Saturday Night Live star Bill Hader as the voice of the wild and witty Cat.
Quinta Brunson, best known for Abbott Elementary, also stars in the film. They are joined by a talented voice cast including Bowen Yang, Matt Berry, Xochitl Gomez, Tiago Martinez, and Paula Pell.
The film is directed by Alessandro Carloni (Kung Fu Panda 3) and Erica Rivinoja (Trolls, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2). Both have years of experience creating family-friendly animated hits.
What Is the New Cat in the Hat Movie About?
The story centers on two siblings who are struggling to adjust after moving to a new town. Enter the Cat — a strange, unpredictable visitor from a place called the Institute of Imagination. His job? To bring joy and wonder to kids who need it most.
Also Read:
The trailer shows Cat teaming up with other quirky animals like Pig With a Wig and Yack With a Pack. They travel the world helping sad children find their spark again. But this time, Cat faces a personal challenge he’s never dealt with before — and it might be his toughest mission yet.
Bill Hader and the Filmmakers Speak
During the film’s preview at the Annecy Film Festival, co-director Carloni explained the movie’s heart:
“Cat is the ultimate ‘live in the moment’ character. He doesn’t care about the rules — he just wants kids to enjoy life.”
Bill Hader also shared his excitement about voicing the iconic character:
“I read the book as a kid, then read it again to my own kids. So when this came up, I was like — yes! I actually chased this role.”
The film was praised for its clever writing and warm humor. According to Hader, the script was so strong, he hardly needed to improvise.
When Will The Cat in the Hat Be Released?
Warner Bros. has confirmed that The Cat in the Hat will be released in theaters on February 26, 2026.
This will be the second time the book is adapted into a feature film. The first was a 2003 live-action version starring Mike Myers. However, this new animated version aims to bring Dr. Seuss’ original charm to a new generation — with heart, humor, and lots of imagination.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Cat prepares to take over theaters in 2026!
