Bill Hader lands role as Cat in the Hat for 2026 movie

Bill Hader, renowned for his Emmy-winning role in HBO's Barry, is set to voice the iconic Cat in the Hat in a new animated feature slated for release on March 6, 2026. The film, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation in collaboration with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, promises to deliver the joyous, whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to cinema screens, with Hader leading an impressive voice cast including Quinta Brunson, Bowen Yang, Xochitl Gomez, Matt Berry, and Paula Pell. The film, marking The Cat in the Hat's first animated theatrical debut, centers around the Cat's mission to brighten the lives of two children adjusting to a new town.

Aside from the principal voice acting role, Hader will also serve as an executive producer for the film, which is penned and directed by Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja. This new Seuss adaptation is the inaugural project of an anticipated series of animated ventures between Warner Bros. and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, hinting at an upcoming expansive Dr. Seuss animated universe.

The announcement follows a previous portrayal of the Cat by Hader on a Saturday Night Live sketch back in 2014, displaying his long-standing affinity for the character. This new take on The Cat in the Hat aims to distance itself from the character's previous 2003 live-action cinematic portrayal, which was met with critical dismay and box office disappointment.

Audiences can anticipate a fresh and joyous rendition of the Cat in the Hat from Bill Hader, emphasizing the humorous and whimsical nature inherent to Dr. Seuss's stories. With Hader's comedic talent and previous experience with the character, the adaptation is poised to deliver a delightful experience for viewers and a positive departure from the character’s last theatrical outing.

The Cat in the Hat is a timeless character created by Dr. Seuss, first introduced to audiences in the eponymous 1957 children's book. Known for his mischievous antics, the Cat has become an iconic figure in children's literature and a symbol of playful storytelling. This upcoming animated iteration seeks to capture the charm and vibrancy of the Seuss universe while introducing the Cat to a new generation of fans.