First Look: Bill Hader Stars in Animated Dr. Seuss’s ‘The Cat in the Hat’
The first trailer for Bill Hader’s animated The Cat in the Hat brings a vibrant, fast-paced adventure featuring stunning visuals with a contemporary Seussian flair.
The newly released trailer for The Cat in the Hat showcases a burst of captivating visuals and nostalgic energy. Warner Bros. Pictures Animation is reinventing the Dr. Seuss classic for today’s audience, with Bill Hader voicing the beloved troublemaker. Set to hit theaters and IMAX in February 2026, this film promises a joyful journey filled with creativity and mischief.
A modern twist on a classic
The trailer quickly distinguishes itself from the 2003 Mike Myers film. Animated by DNEG, the visuals are vibrant and fluid. Hader’s Cat makes an entrance into the lives of Gabby and Sebastian, sent by the whimsically titled I.I.I.I. – the Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration – to help them adjust to their new home.
Hader’s voice infuses the character with energy and just the right amount of chaos. Fans of Dr. Seuss will appreciate the updated humor and tone, all while keeping the heart of the original story intact.
Check out the trailer here:
Star-studded voice cast
Hader is joined by an impressive voice cast including America Ferrera, Quinta Brunson, Matt Berry, Bowen Yang, Giancarlo Esposito, Paula Pell, Tituss Burgess, Xochitl Gomez, and Tiago Martinez. The trailer suggests great chemistry and impeccable comic timing among the cast.
Directed by Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja, this adaptation retains the whimsical essence of Dr. Seuss while delivering a cinematic experience that feels perfectly suited to animation. Unlike its predecessor, this version strikes a harmonious balance between silliness and emotional depth.
Exciting future for Seuss adaptations
This adaptation marks a fresh start for Warner Bros. Animation under the guidance of Bill Damaschke. The studio is also working on another Seuss classic, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!, slated for release in March 2028. If The Cat in the Hat resonates with audiences, it could ignite a new series of Seuss adaptations.
The trailer concludes with the Cat’s iconic wink, hinting at the delightful chaos that’s sure to follow—reminding everyone that when the Cat appears, typical rules are tossed aside.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Who voices The Cat in the Hat in the 2026 movie? Bill Hader lends his voice to the animated Cat in the Hat.
Q2. When will the movie be released? It is set to release in theaters and IMAX on February 27, 2026.
Q3. Is this related to the 2003 live-action version? No. This is an entirely new animated adaptation, separate from the Mike Myers film.
Are you excited to see Bill Hader’s take on this classic character?
