Bill Hader Leads All-Star Cast in New Animated The Cat in the Hat – First Trailer Revealed
Warner Bros. has unveiled the first teaser for its highly anticipated animated The Cat in the Hat, starring Bill Hader as the mischievous feline. The film, set for release in 2026, reimagines Dr. Seuss’ beloved 1957 children’s classic with a fresh, visually stunning twist.
A Long-Awaited Reimagining
Hader, 47, shared his excitement in a preview video ahead of the July 1 trailer release, joking, “There’s a movie I’ve been working on for a long time. Like, really long.” (The project was first announced in 2018.) This new adaptation promises to be “hilarious and unlike anything you’ve seen before,” with an “expansive new universe” that sets it apart from the 2003 live-action version starring Mike Myers.
Star-Studded Voice Cast
Alongside Hader, the film features an impressive ensemble:
- Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary)
- Bowen Yang (SNL)
- America Ferrera (Barbie)
- Xochitl Gomez (Doctor Strange 2)
- Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt)
- Matt Berry (What We Do in the Shadows)
- Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian)
Hader teased “unique worlds with different styles of animation,” praising the film’s vibrant, boundary-pushing visuals.
Plot: Chaos, Adventure, and Heart
The story follows the Cat on his “toughest assignment yet” for the Institute for Imagination and Inspiration (I.I.I.I.), tasked with cheering up siblings Gabby and Sebastian after a difficult move. As always, his antics walk the line between “magical and disastrous”—with his iconic hat on the line.
First Look & “Seussiverse” Ambitions
Warner Bros. Animation head Bill Damaschke teased the film at CinemaCon 2025, calling it a “doorway into our own Seussiverse.” The teaser hints at surreal, kaleidoscopic worlds, staying true to Dr. Seuss’ whimsical spirit while modernizing its appeal.
Why This Adaptation Stands Out
- Animation Style: A mix of bold, dynamic visuals paying homage to Seuss’ original art.
- Humor & Heart: Hader’s signature wit meets the book’s timeless charm.
- Fresh Take: Unlike the 2003 film, this version expands the Cat’s universe beyond a single town.
The Cat in the Hat hits theaters in 2026. For now, catch the teaser—“worth every bribed official,” as Hader quipped—and brace for a wild, hat-filled ride.