The mischievous feline in the red-and-white striped hat is back — and this time, it’s animated. Warner Bros. Animation has officially released the first trailer for The Cat in the Hat, a vibrant new adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ timeless 1957 children’s book. This marks the first feature-length animated version of the beloved character, with the film scheduled to hit theaters on February 27, 2026.
The film is being helmed by seasoned animation director Alessandro Carloni (Kung Fu Panda 3) and Erica Rivinoja, who co-directs and co-writes the film alongside Carloni. With animation provided by DNEG Animation (Nimona, That Christmas), the movie aims to bring Dr. Seuss’ whimsical world to life like never before.
A Star-Studded Voice Cast Led by Bill Hader
The film’s lead role is voiced by Bill Hader, known for his work as Fear in Inside Out and numerous performances in Saturday Night Live. Hader brings his signature comedic flair to the character, portraying the Cat as he embarks on what could be his most high-stakes mission yet.
The plot centers around the Cat working for the Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration, LLC (I.I.I.I.), a whimsical agency that sends him to help two kids, Sebastian and Gabby, adjust to life in a new town. If he fails to cheer them up, he risks losing his magical hat forever — a threat that tests the limits of his chaos and charm.
Joining Hader is a colorful ensemble cast that includes:
- Xochitl Gomez (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) as Gabby
- Matt Berry (What We Do in the Shadows) as a talking pet fish
- Quinta Brunson, Bowen Yang, America Ferrera, Paula Pell, Tituss Burgess, and Giancarlo Esposito in supporting roles
This star power, combined with the visual storytelling of DNEG, positions The Cat in the Hat as one of 2026’s most anticipated family films.
A Comeback After 2003’s Infamous Live-Action Attempt
The 2026 film is the first theatrical adaptation of The Cat in the Hat since the 2003 live-action version starring Mike Myers — a film widely criticized for its surreal tone and lack of fidelity to Seuss’ source material. Despite strong production design, it failed to impress both critics and audiences, leading Dr. Seuss’s estate to become cautious about future adaptations.
That history makes this animated reboot all the more significant. Animation, after all, has always been the natural medium for Seuss’ world, as seen in earlier specials like the 1971 CBS version produced by Chuck Jones. Warner Bros. seems to be embracing this approach wholeheartedly, aiming for a visually rich and tonally appropriate experience that appeals to both kids and nostalgic adults.
A Larger Seuss Universe in the Works
The Cat in the Hat is just the beginning of a renewed push by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation under new leadership by Bill Damaschke. The studio also has a film adaptation of Oh, The Places You’ll Go! in development, directed by Jon M. Chu (In the Heights) and slated for a March 17, 2028 release.
If the new Cat in the Hat succeeds, it could signal a Seuss cinematic universe in the making — a modern, animated collection of classics brought to life with care, creativity, and a dash of chaos.
Final Thoughts
The new trailer for The Cat in the Hat suggests a bold and joyful reimagining of one of children’s literature’s most enduring characters. With its A-list voice cast, high-end animation, and heartfelt story, Warner Bros. is betting big on the power of imagination — and on the Cat’s return to cultural relevance. The film opens in IMAX and theaters across North America on February 27, 2026, and internationally beginning February 25.
For fans of Seuss and animation lovers alike, this looks like one wild ride not to be missed.
