The Cat in the Hat backdrop
The Cat in the Hat poster
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy
The cat's out of the bag.

The Cat in the Hat (2026)

Runtime 108 min
Release date 31/10/2026
Country United Kingdom, United States of America
Production
DNEG DNEG
Dr. Seuss Enterprises Dr. Seuss Enterprises
Warner Bros. Pictures Animation Warner Bros. Pictures Animation
A Stern Talking To
Domain Entertainment Domain Entertainment
Overview
Assigned his toughest mission yet, the Cat must cheer up siblings Gabby and Sebastian as they adjust to life in a new town. Known for pushing boundaries, this agent of chaos must prove himself or risk losing his magical hat forever.
Directors & Screenwriters
Erica Rivinoja profile photo
Erica Rivinoja
Director & Screenwriter
Alessandro Carloni profile photo
Alessandro Carloni
Director & Screenwriter
Cast
Bill Hader profile photo
Bill Hader
as The Cat in the Hat (voice)
Xochitl Gomez profile photo
Xochitl Gomez
as Gabby (voice)
Tiago Martinez profile photo
Tiago Martinez
as Sebastian (voice)
Matt Berry profile photo
Matt Berry
as Waffles (voice)
Quinta Brunson profile photo
Quinta Brunson
as Sherrie from HR (voice)
    Bowen Yang profile photo
    Bowen Yang
    as Gary (voice)
    America Ferrera profile photo
    America Ferrera
    as Mom (Carmen) (voice)
    Paula Pell profile photo
    Paula Pell
    as Patty (voice)
    Tituss Burgess profile photo
    Tituss Burgess
    as The Psychic Narwhal (voice)
    Giancarlo Esposito profile photo
    Giancarlo Esposito
    as Mr. Hoogeboom (voice)
    Default profile image
    Ryan Gaffney
    as Pig in a Wig (voice)
    Default profile image
    Asha Marie
    as Rosie (voice)
    Default profile image
    Mayabella Sage Mccrillis
    as Sally (voice)
    Johnny Haemmerle profile photo
    Johnny Haemmerle
    as Dick (voice)
    Robin Åkerstrand profile photo
    Robin Åkerstrand
    as Additional Voices (voice)
    Eric Bauza profile photo
    Eric Bauza
    as Additional Voices (voice)
    David Kaye profile photo
    David Kaye
    as Additional Voices (voice)
    Jim Meskimen profile photo
    Jim Meskimen
    as Additional Voices (voice)
    Default profile image
    Kasur Mohammed
    as Additional Voices (voice)
    Default profile image
    Dan Molina
    as Additional Voices (voice)
    Dannah Feinglass Phirman profile photo
    Dannah Feinglass Phirman
    as Additional Voices (voice)
    Default profile image
    Eric Wentz
    as Additional Voices (voice)
All trailers
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

That’s our cat!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:20
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Thursday night feels perfect for a Pajama party.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:14
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Not to be dramatic, but this could change EVERYTHING.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:13
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Get into the spirit with the Cat.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:16
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

It’s nearly gametime!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:16
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

The stripes and hat really bring the look together.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:09
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

No time for work, only fun!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:17
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Tricks and treats that can’t be beat.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:08
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

There’s nothing sweeter than making memories.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:16
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

To sum it all up: get your tickets for The Cat in the Hat NOW!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:11
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

A reminder to look on the bright side!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:14
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Snaps and claps only!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:13
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

How about taking a short trip to the theater?

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:07
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Only number you need to know is the seat number you’re reserving for The Cat in the Hat

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:08
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

The good thing is no one overreacted.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:17
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

The Cat without his hat? Unimaginable!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:08
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Rough start, nowhere but up from here!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:16
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Lessons were learned that day.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:10
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

The answer is always fun.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:16
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Emphasis on NOW

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:15
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

A mess of fun, guaranteed.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:15
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

It’s got a nice beat to it.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:19
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Comment which one you’re choosing below!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:36
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

So the thing about Thing 2 is….

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:13
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

He might tell a joke, but he’ll never tell a lie!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:30
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

We’re rooting for team fun.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:16
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

He just keeps it real.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:33
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

This movie’s got everyTHING, don’t miss out!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:13
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

The Things have a very important message to share with you.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:31
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Roblox Trailer

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:32
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Get Tickets Now

Video: YouTube
Duration: 01:04
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

The more the merrier we say!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:16
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

You know the name.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:12
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Make every moment count!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:16
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Why would we be sick of having the best time ever?

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:12
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Couch: in drive. Destination: party.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:07
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

It’s time to get fluent in Thinglish.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:07
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

He checks all of our boxes.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:29
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Each friend has their own special thing.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:13
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

The best of the best at causing a mess…of fun!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:07
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Rise and shine sleepy heads, it’s about to be the best day ever!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:16
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

The party has arrived!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:16
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

And they’re putting in overtime.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:04
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Cat Core: zero explanation, maximum commitment.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:26
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Main Trailer

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:16
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Main Trailer

Video: YouTube
Duration: 02:26
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

New trailer for The Cat In The Hat?!?! Best day ever!

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:16
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Trailer in a mailer.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:47
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

It's a vibe thing.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:07
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Squeeze on in.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:10
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Emotional rollercoaster.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:10
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Any questions?

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:09
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Keep it together.

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:12
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Official Trailer 3

Video: YouTube
Duration: 02:53
Animation Fantasy Adventure Family Comedy

The Cat in the Hat

Official Trailer

Video: YouTube
Duration: 02:14
Did You Know?
The Cat in the Hat backdrop

Turn the Cat’s chaos into classroom cardio with Thinglish!

Warner Bros. Pictures Animation has teamed up with GoNoodle, the K‑12 movement platform, to bring the mischief of the upcoming The Cat in the Hat to schools and living rooms before the November 6 theatrical debut. The collaboration kicks off with a brand‑new video, “Let’s Speak Thinglish!,” created alongside the film’s choreographer Christopher Scott. The clip teaches kids the quirky, word‑free language of the Things—hello, goodbye, yes, no, and even how to craft a personal Thinglish name—using step‑by‑step movement and body percussion. The lesson is woven with clips from the movie and hosted by GoNoodle’s kid presenters, inviting students to practice the new tongue in class and then take the fun home. “Kids have a special connection to The Cat in the Hat, and it was pure joy to bring that spirit to GoNoodle,” said Eric Covert, Chief Creative Officer at GoNoodle, noting that the project shows how powerful movement can be as a language. To keep the momentum going, GoNoodle is running a nationwide Minutes of Movement contest from Oct. 5 through Nov. 1. Every minute a classroom or family spends on GoNoodle counts as a minute of movement, and the top‑scoring classroom and families win family packs of four tickets each for the film’s opening weekend. Winners will be announced on Nov. 4, just in time for the big screen debut. The initiative gives teachers a ready‑made brain break, families a reason to get active together, and turns the anticipation of a beloved Dr. Seuss story into a month‑long celebration of movement and learning.
The Cat in the Hat Movie Pays Homage to Dr. Seuss’ Book in Its First 2 Minutes
Image via cbr.com,

Warner Bros.’s new Cat in the Hat pays tribute to Dr. Seuss before turning the mischievous feline into an undercover imagination agent.

The animated feature opens with a love‑letter to the original book – two minutes of faithful recreation that showcase the iconic hash‑marks, bold negative spaces and the whimsical rhythm that made Dr. Seuss a household name. Art director Amos Sussigan called those visual cues the film’s “North Stars,” and the team made sure they stayed front‑and‑center before the story veered off into uncharted territory. Then the Cat gets a corporate twist. Bill Hader voices the striped trouble‑maker, who isn’t just a random visitor but an operative for the tongue‑in‑cheek Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration, LLC. The directors, Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni, built an entire backstory around the question “Why does he show up?” – giving the Cat a day job, a mysterious red‑and‑white hat, and a mission to brighten rainy‑day kids while reporting to a boss who worries his chaos might cost him his badge. The film leans into the trickster tradition scholars associate with the Cat, letting audiences wonder if he’s a con‑artist or an emotional‑support animal sent to inspire. By holding off on a tidy answer, the movie explores the tension between creative chaos and corporate accountability, promising a fresh, deeper take on a beloved icon while still delivering the slap‑stick fun that generations adore.
‘The Cat in the Hat’ Is Back: How the Seuss Icon’s First Animated Feature Will Kick Off a New Era
Image via hollywoodreporter.com,

The mischievous Cat is back—this time as a full‑color origin adventure.

Warner Bros. Pictures Animation is set to unleash the first feature‑length animated The Cat in the Hat on Nov. 6, 2026, marking a new chapter for Dr. Seuss’s most chaotic icon. After the live‑action success of the 2000 Grinch and Illumination’s animated Grinch, the estate struck a three‑film deal with Warner Bros., choosing the studio to give the Cat a fresh, fully‑animated treatment for his 70th anniversary. Writer‑directors Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni, along with story head Ryan Gaffney and art director Amos Sussigan, revealed at SCAD AnimationFest that the film will blend three distinct animation styles while staying true to Seuss’s visual playfulness. Rivinoja praised the freedom granted by Dr. Seuss Enterprises, saying the team is “honoring The Cat in the Hat, but we are also having fun with him and his history.” Beyond the slapstick, the movie aims to explore a deeper, messier side of childhood—a theme Brandt of Dr. Seuss Enterprises calls “a beautiful interpretation of the book.” By expanding the 60‑page story into a 107‑minute music‑ and comedy‑infused adventure, the film offers an origin tale that asks whether the Cat is merely a chaotic clown or a figure who intuitively knows what a child needs. The result is a colorful, origin‑driven romp that promises to delight both the preschool crowd who first met the Cat and the parents who cherish his legacy.
The Cat in the Hat Movie’s Biggest Book Change Gets Explained By the Director
Image via cbr.com,

The Cat’s new gig: From chaotic visitor to corporate agent of imagination

The long‑awaited animated The Cat in the Hat finally swings onto the big screen on Nov. 6, 2026, marking the first feature‑length adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic since the 2003 live‑action flop. Directors Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni, who also co‑wrote the script, teamed up with art director Amos Sussigan and head of story Ryan Gaffney to re‑imagine the iconic mischief‑maker for a new generation. The biggest departure from the original book is the Cat’s new backstory: he’s an employee of the Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration, LLC, sent out to brighten the lives of kids stuck at home on rainy days. Rivinoja explained that the team kept asking, “Why does he show up? Why the hat?” and the answer opened up an entire world beyond the single‑day, single‑family setting of the source material. The film treats the Cat’s chaotic antics as a job with a boss who deliberately limits his magical hat, turning a simple “potato on a string” prop into a comedic obstacle that forces the Cat to improvise. Bill Hader voices the titular feline, bringing his childhood love of Seuss books to the role while preserving the character’s mischievous heart. Even with corporate constraints, the Cat’s love for his mission shines through, and a standout animated moment—crafted by animator Dominique Otadi—captures the character’s spontaneous joy when he makes the dullest prop fun. The trailer teases this blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling, promising a whimsical adventure that stays true to the Cat’s spirit while exploring new, imaginative territory.
The Cat in the Hat backdrop

Bill Hader’s Cat lands in a bright‑colored world, but the film’s heavy‑handed lessons drown out the mischief we loved.

Warner Bros.’ new animated "The Cat in the Hat" finally gives Dr. Seuss’s chaotic feline a proper cartoon home, a move prompted by Audrey Geisel’s refusal to green‑light any more live‑action versions after the 2003 flop. Bill Hader’s elastic, higher‑pitched voice brings a fresh, multifaceted spin to the iconic hat‑wearer, while a supporting cast that includes Matt Berry, Bowen Yang and Quinta Brunson adds extra humor and color to the mix. The film sticks close to the original premise: the Cat is sent to cheer up siblings Gabby (Xochitl Gomez) and Sebastian (Tiago Martinez) on a rainy day, only to be pressured by his boss (Giancarlo Esposito) to keep the mess‑meter low. Their adventure spirals into a wildly imagined cardboard‑box world where a dangerous device called the Go‑Backer threatens to tear reality apart, and a Gollum‑like “Thing” stalks them. Visually, the movie dazzles with surreal, vibrant set pieces that feel true to Seussian absurdity. Despite the eye‑catching animation and strong vocal performances, critics argue the story feels overly formulaic and bogged down by mawkish life‑lesson preaching. The film leans heavily into themes of family appreciation and creative self‑discovery, diluting the Cat’s natural mischief. Even with moments of weird, sequel‑setting humor from the gang of Things, the “real world” scenes stay bland, and the humor often feels forced, leaving the Seussian whimsy under‑served. In short, while the animation and cast deliver flashes of the chaos‑loving fun we expect from the Cat, the heavy emotional overtures and constrained storytelling keep the movie from fully embracing the mischievous spirit that made the original reading primer a cultural touchstone.
The Cat In The Hat Review: Bill Hader Leads a Charming Dr. Seuss Adventure
Image via cbr.com,

Bill Hader’s Cat brings Seuss magic back to life—without the cringe.

The new Cat in the Hat opens with the iconic feline slipping into a drab, black‑and‑white suburb before zeroing in on a lone red house where two screen‑addicted kids stare at their devices. A clumsy juggling gag—an urn toppled, a laugh earned—sets the tone: the Cat’s mission is simple, to coax joy out of boredom. From there, the film balances slapstick with sentiment. When the Cat’s time‑travel gizmo, the Go‑Backer, goes missing, he teams up with Gabby (voiced by Xochitl Gomez) and her brother Sebastian (Tiago Martinez) to hunt it down. Each misplaced moving‑box becomes a vivid, Seussian landscape—old photos, toys, even piles of mom’s paperwork transform into larger‑than‑life realms that let the siblings rediscover what they’ve left behind. Bill Hader’s vocal turn as the Cat is a masterclass in boundless optimism, a madcap artist who never loses his childlike wonder even as his boss plants doubts. Gomez delivers a relatable teen angst that feels earned, while Matt Berry’s goldfish Waffles adds a quirky ally to the chaos. Even America Ferrera’s mom, voiced with weary practicality, grounds the emotional stakes. The result is a rare Seuss adaptation that honors the original’s whimsy while carving its own playful identity. At 91 minutes, the family‑friendly adventure (directed by Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja) promises both kids and parents a reminder that a child’s inner world is far richer than we assume. The Cat in the Hat hits theaters on November 6, 2026.
The Cat in the Hat backdrop

Fans are flocking to the new Cat in the Hat, even as critics turn away

The animated remake of Dr. Seuss’s classic has quickly become a family favorite, pulling in $20.5 million on its opening weekend and landing at #7 in the United States. With Bill Hader lending his voice to the mischievous feline and a supporting roster that includes Bowen Yang, Giancarlo Esposito, Quinta Brunson, America Ferrera and Xochitl Gómez, the 91‑minute PG adventure is being praised for its vibrant animation and faithful, chaotic spirit. Yet the enthusiasm of moviegoers starkly outpaces critical opinion. Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter shows an 87 percent audience approval from over 250 viewers, while the Tomatometer lags at a mere 47 percent—a 40‑point divide that even ScreenRant’s Liz Declan noted, giving the film a middling 5‑out‑of‑10. Critics point to “more dips than delights,” but families seem to love the whimsical ride. The contrast is even sharper when measured against the 2003 live‑action version, which earned a dismal 11 percent critic score and only 59 percent audience approval. The new animated take is being hailed as a redemption for the franchise, and its strong box‑office start suggests it could sustain momentum through the holiday season, even as it prepares to face Thanksgiving competition like the upcoming animated feature Hexed.
Warner Bros.'s New Dr. Seuss Movie Earns Stellar Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Image via screenrant.com,

The new Cat in the Hat animation is winning over families, even if critics stay skeptical.

The 2026 animated take on Dr. Seuss’s beloved classic hit theaters on November 6, bringing Bill Hader’s unmistakable voice to the mischievous feline, alongside a star‑studded cast that includes Bowen Yang, Giancarlo Esposito, Quinta Brunson, America Ferrera and Xochitl Gomez. The film follows the familiar chaos of the tall, tuxedo‑clad cat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, as they whisk two children into a whirlwind adventure. Early audience reaction has been overwhelmingly positive: Rotten Tomatoes reports an 87% audience score from more than 250 voters, praising the vibrant animation and family‑friendly fun. Critics, however, are less enthusiastic, with the Tomatometer lagging 40 points behind at 47%, and ScreenRant’s Liz Declan giving the movie a middling five out of ten, noting it "has more dips than delights." Fans of the original story can breathe a sigh of relief: the new version dramatically outshines the 2003 live‑action effort starring Mike Myers, which earned a paltry 11% critic rating and a modest 59% audience score. The animated remake is being hailed as a redemption for the franchise after two decades of disappointment. Box‑office numbers back the audience buzz, with a solid $20.5 million domestic haul in its opening weekend. While Thanksgiving releases like Hexed will soon vie for attention, the film’s strong start suggests it could sustain momentum and become a surprise hit for families seeking a whimsical, Seussian escape.