The Cat in the Hat is perhaps one of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved works, and now the helpful feline is returning in a brand new cinematic adaptation. Debuting in the eponymous children’s book published by Seuss in 1957, it follows two bored young children stuck inside on a cold and rainy day. Longing for something fun to do, the kids soon get more than they bargained for when the Cat in the Hat arrives and makes a huge mess. Helping to revolutionize children’s literature, Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat is still a cherished work of fiction.

Though Dr. Seuss is one of the most famous authors in history, movies based on Dr. Seuss’ works have been sporadic in quanтιтy and even more diverse in quality. The release of 2003’s The Cat in the Hat brought Seuss’ masterwork to the big screen for the first time. However, the live-action movie was largely reviled by critics and fans alike for its crᴀss humor and distinctly un-Seuss-like tone. A new animated adaptation of The Cat in the Hat is on the horizon that aims to recapture Dr. Seuss’ cinematic legacy and correct a 20-year-old wrong in a more kid-friendly movie.

The Cat In The Hat Latest News

The Release Date Is Moved

Though little is known about the upcoming Dr. Seuss movie, the latest news confirms that the release date for The Cat in the Hat has changed. Originally slated to hit theaters in March 2026, the film has now been shifted forward slightly, and will premiere on February 27, 2026. The change is part of a larger shakeup within Warner Bros.’ upcoming slate of films, and The Cat in the Hat has ceded its original release slot to the horror film The Bride!. The change is a minor one for The Cat in the Hat, and shifting forward a few weeks shouldn’t have a huge impact on its release.

The Cat In The Hat Release Date

The Movie Is Scheduled For Early 2026

Despite being a long way from its release date, Warner Bros. has already done some shifting when it comes to The Cat in the Hat. The upcoming adaptation was originally penciled in for March 6, 2026, but it has now been moved forward by a week. Due to other scheduling changes at Warner Bros., The Cat in the Hat will now premiere on February 27, 2026, but it’s unclear if any other changes are expected in the future.

The Cat In The Hat Voice Cast

Bill Hader Leads The Cast As The Cat In The Hat

As the newest Dr. Seuss adaptation begins to take form, the cast of The Cat in the Hat is shaping up to be an all-star ensemble. Leading the charge as the eponymous character is modern-day funnyman Bill Hader, who is best known for his lengthy stint on SNL and his award-winning series Barry. Hader’s prolific impression abilities and vocal range make him uniquely suited to play the character, and it’s unclear how closely the new cartoon version will stick to previous takes.

Other major names have also been announced, but characters have not been divulged outside of Hader’s turn as The Cat. Abbott Elementary star and creator Quinta Brunson will appear, as will SNL‘s Bowen Yang. Matt Berry of What We Do In The Shadows fame will also provide his voice alongside Xochitl Gomez from Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. Finally, Girls5eva‘s Paula Pell is also slated to lend her distinctive voice to the new Seuss movie.

The cast of The Cat in the Hat includes:

Actor	The Cat In The Hat Role
Bill Hader	The Cat in the Hat
Quinta Brunson	Unknown
Matt Berry	Unknown
Bowen Yang	Unknown
Xochitl Gomez	Unknown
Paula Pell	Unknown

The Cat In The Hat Story Details

How Closely Will The New Movie Follow The Book?

Though a lot is still unknown about the new Cat in the Hat movie, Warner Bros. did provide a brief synopsis that shines light on the story. In the studio’s description, The Cat in the Hat travels around the world spreading joy to unhappy children who need him the most. However, he meets his toughest case yet when he encounters siblings who are distraught after they move to a new town. This is a major departure from the 1957 book, though it does preserve some elements of the story.

Movies based on children’s books often have to make changes to flesh out the story to fit in the time frame of a feature film. As evidenced by the surreal and sometimes terrifying 2003 adaptation of The Cat in the Hat, Dr. Seuss’ adaptations succeed or fail based on how well they handle that aforementioned expansion of the story. By giving The Cat in the Hat a new story focus, the latest adaptation might be setting itself up for success.