Warner Bros. Pictures Animation has officially unveiled the first trailer for The Cat in the Hat, its first full-length animated feature film — and it’s stacked with talent. The voice cast includes Bill Hader, Quinta Brunson, Giancarlo Esposito, Bowen Yang, America Ferrera, Xochitl Gomez, Matt Berry, Paula Pell, Tituss Burgess, and Tiago Martinez.
The animated reimagining of the beloved Dr. Seuss classic will hit theaters and IMAX on February 27, 2026, marking the studio’s return to theatrical animation and the first big-screen animated debut of the iconic Cat.
Directed by Alessandro Carloni (Kung Fu Panda 3) and Erica Rivinoja (South Park, Trolls), the story follows the chaotic Cat, voiced by Hader, who’s working on his toughest assignment yet. Tasked by the I.I.I.I. (Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration, LLC), he must help siblings Gabby and Sebastian adjust to life in a new town — or risk losing his magical hat forever.
Described as a fantastical adventure filled with signature Seussian flair, the film expands the original story’s emotional core, exploring themes of change, belonging, and imagination, all with the Cat’s trademark mischief.
From Page to Screen — Again
Originally published in 1957, The Cat in the Hat is one of the most iconic children’s books of all time. It was previously adapted into a 1971 animated special and a 2003 live-action film starring Mike Myers. But this new version promises a bold visual style, a deeper character arc, and a tone that’s equal parts irreverent and heartwarming.
At this year’s CinemaCon, audiences got an early look at footage from the film, which teased additional characters like more “Things” beyond Thing One and Thing Two, as well as hints at the Cat’s larger world and workplace.
Production and Creative Team
The film is co-written and co-directed by Carloni and Rivinoja, with Daniela Mazzucato and Jared Stern producing. Susan Brandt, president and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, and Bill Hader serve as executive producers. Animation is being handled by DNEG Animation.
This film comes after Warner Bros. struck a deal with Dr. Seuss Enterprises in 2018 to create new animated features based on Seuss’ work. And while Universal and Illumination once had plans to produce a CGI version post-The Lorax, that iteration never came to be.
Hader’s New Chapter with Warner Bros.
The Cat in the Hat is just one of several projects Hader has lined up with the studio. He’s also developing a series on the Jonestown cult with Damages showrunner Daniel Zelman, where he’s expected to co-write, executive produce, and possibly direct — and star as cult leader Jim Jones.
After wrapping HBO’s Barry — which earned him two Emmys and 16 nominations overall — The Cat in the Hat marks a shift into family-friendly territory, without losing Hader’s sharp comedic edge.
“I read the book as a kid and now I read it to my own kids. When I got the chance to voice the Cat, it was an easy yes,” Hader said during a press event earlier this year.
The Cat in the Hat
???? Release Date: February 27, 2026
????️ Voice Cast: Bill Hader, Quinta Brunson, Bowen Yang, America Ferrera, Xochitl Gomez, Matt Berry, Paula Pell, Tituss Burgess, Tiago Martinez, Giancarlo Esposito
???? Directors: Alessandro Carloni, Erica Rivinoja
???? Animation Studio: DNEG Animation
???? Based on the book by: Dr. Seuss
Mischief, magic, and mayhem await. Watch the trailer now.