The new film, set to release in 2026, will also star Quinta Brunson, Bowen Yang, Xochitl Gomez, Matt Berry, and Paula Pell; DNEG will produce the animation.
Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and Dr. Seuss Enterprises have teamed up to bring the children’s classic “The Cat in the Hat” to the big screen. Slated to debut in theaters globally on March 6, 2026, the animated adaptation will star Bill Hader (Barry) as The Cat, alongside a cast that includes Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), Bowen Yang (SNL), Xochitl Gomez (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), Matt Berry (What We Do in The Shadows) and Paula Pell (Girls5eva).
According to the studio, The Cat, in the wonderfully whimsical tradition of Dr. Seuss, will do what he does best – spread joy to “happyless” kids. In the film, The Cat takes on his toughest assignment yet… to cheer a pair of siblings struggling with their move to a new town.
The film is being written and directed by Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja, with Daniela Mazzucato and Jared Stern producing. Susan Brandt and Bill Hader will executive produce. DNEG Animation will be the animation studio partner.
According to Bill Damaschke, President of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, “We are overjoyed to partner with our friends at Dr. Seuss to take audiences of all ages on an adventure into the beloved world of The Cat in the Hat. With this incredible voice cast led by Bill Hader as the fun-loving, agent of chaos himself and our filmmakers Alessandro and Erica at the helm, we look forward to sharing this Seussian cinematic spectacle with audiences everywhere in 2026!
Susan Brandt, President and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, said, “We are excited to see such an exceptional group of talent join the effort to bring this iconic property to the screen as an animated feature. It’s been an amazing experience collaborating with the team from Warner Bros. Pictures Animation so far, as they truly understand what it takes to capture the magic of The Cat in the Hat and share his brand of imagination and joy with a new generation of Dr. Seuss fans.”
Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat” first captured the imaginations of young readers with its imaginative story and iconic red and white striped hat when it debuted in 1957. This latest cinematic adaptation will be the first animated feature to debut as part of a slate of animated projects that Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and Dr. Seuss Enterprises are developing together as part of a planned Dr. Seuss animated universe.
Source: Warner Bros. Animation
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
