The Cat in the Hat (2026)

"The Cat in the Hat" (2026) is an upcoming American animated musical fantasy comedy film based on the 1957 children's book of the same name by Dr. Seuss. It is the second feature-length adaptation after the 2003 live-action film, but the first fully animated version. The film is produced by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation in collaboration with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, with animation by DNEG Animation. Directed and written by Alessandro Carloni ("Kung Fu Panda 3") and Erica Rivinoja ("Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs").

Plot

The Cat in the Hat is an agent of the organization I.I.I.I. (Institute of Institution of Imagination and Inspiration, LLC), who receives his most challenging assignment: to cheer up brother and sister, Gabby and Sebastian, who are struggling with moving to a new city. This is his last chance to prove his competence to an extremely annoyed boss and keep the stripes on his hat. Known for going too far, this agent of chaos can either save the day or lose his magical hat forever.

Voice Cast

• Bill Hader as The Cat in the Hat
• Xochitl Gomez as Gabby
• Thiago Martinez as Sebastian
• Matt Berry
• Quinta Brunson
• Paula Pell
• Giancarlo Esposito
• America Ferrera
• Bowen Yang
• Tituss Burgess

Crew

• Directors and Writers: Alessandro Carloni, Erica Rivinoja
• Producers: Daniela Mazzucato, Jared Stern
• Executive Producers: Susan Brandt, Bill Hader
• Composer: Lorne Balfe
• Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Dr. Seuss Enterprises
• Animation: DNEG Animation
• Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures

Release Date

The film will be released in theaters in the United States on November 6, 2026. Originally planned for 2024/2025, then for March 6, 2026, later for February 27, 2026, but in March 2025 it was moved a week earlier to avoid competition with the Disney and Pixar animated film "Hoppers". In August 2025, the date was shifted again to November 2026 to ensure a longer theatrical run and take advantage of the historically strong holiday season box office.

"The Cat in the Hat" Franchise Timeline

Although the 2026 film is a standalone story, it is based on the classic Dr. Seuss book, which has had several adaptations:

• "The Cat in the Hat" (1957) — the original children's book by Dr. Seuss, telling the story of an anthropomorphic cat who visits children's home on a rainy day and creates chaos.
• "The Cat in the Hat" (1971) — an animated television special directed by Hawley Pratt, with the voice of Allan Sherman as the Cat.
• "The Cat in the Hat" (2003) — a live-action film starring Mike Myers, which expands the book's plot with new characters and storylines.
• "The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!" (2010–2018) — an animated educational series on PBS Kids, where the Cat (voiced by Martin Short) takes children on scientific adventures.
• "The Cat in the Hat" (2026) — a new feature-length animated film that reimagines the character as an agent of imagination.

Where to Watch

Official film website: catinthehatfilm.com

Currently, the film is in post-production, so there are no streaming platform links yet. After its theatrical run, it will likely appear on Max (Warner Bros. streaming service). To search for Ukrainian platforms, you can use the search on UAKino: uakino.me.