The first trailer for the highly anticipated animated feature film, “The Cat in the Hat,” dropped this morning, giving fans a vibrant glimpse into the new adaptation of the beloved Dr. Seuss classic. The film, from Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, is slated to hit theaters on February 27, 2026.
A Modern Take on a Classic Tale
The trailer reveals a visually stunning world, promising a fresh and imaginative take on the source material. The story will follow the iconic top-hatted feline on a mission from the “Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration, LLC.” His assignment? To bring joy to two siblings, Gabby and Sebastian, who are struggling with a recent move to a new town. In a unique twist, the film will delve into the idea of the Cat as a sort of “child psychologist,” helping the children navigate their feelings by taking them on a fantastical journey through their own memories.
Star-Studded Voice Cast
The voice cast is a veritable who’s who of comedic and dramatic talent. Bill Hader, who also serves as an executive producer, leads the cast as the mischievous Cat. He is joined by Xochitl Gomez (“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”) and newcomer Tiago Martinez as the children, Gabby and Sebastian. The cast also includes Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”), Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”), Matt Berry (“What We Do in the Shadows”), Paula Pell (“Girls5eva”), Tituss Burgess (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), and Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad”). America Ferrera (“Barbie”) will voice the children’s mother.
The Beginning of a ‘Seussiverse’
Behind the scenes, the film is directed by Alessandro Carloni (“Kung Fu Panda 3”) and Erica Rivinoja (“Trolls”), who also co-wrote the screenplay. The animation, handled by DNEG Animation, promises to be a visual treat, with the filmmakers hinting at multiple animation styles to differentiate between the real world and the fantastical realms the characters will visit.
This film is set to be the first in a new “Seussiverse” of animated films from Warner Bros., with adaptations of “Thing One and Thing Two” and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” also in the works. With a stellar cast, a creative team that clearly reveres the source material, and a fresh take on the classic story, “The Cat in the Hat” is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event for audiences of all ages.
