Warner Bros. Pictures Animation has dropped the first trailer for its upcoming animated feature adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat, set to premiere in theaters across North America on February 27 and internationally beginning February 25 of next year.
Directed by Alessandro Carloni (Kung Fu Panda 3) and Erica Rivinoja (writer on Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2, South Park), the film is the first animated feature from a lineup of projects co-developed by WBPA and Dr. Seuss Enterprises. The Cat is voiced by Bill Hader, joined by a star-studded cast that includes Quinta Brunson, Bowen Yang, Matt Berry, Xochitl Gomez, Tiago Martinez, and Paula Pell.
The film’s narrative follows two siblings adjusting to life in a new town when they encounter the Cat, who now works for the whimsical Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration, LLC. Alongside quirky companions like Pig With a Wig, Yack With a Pack, and, as we see at the end of the trailer, the popular Things 1 and 2 (and several more), the Cat spreads joy to children worldwide. The efficacy of his endeavours seems questionable, based on his coworkers’ reactions seen in the trailer.
During an Annecy Work in Progress session last month, Carloni and Rivinoja described the film in more detail, saying that it will be centered around siblings Gabby and Sebastian, who have recently moved to a new home. Through the contents of their unpacked boxes and with help from the Cat, who transforms their couch into a vehicle, the children are taken on a series of adventures. Each box becomes a window into their emotional lives.
The film also explores the perspective of the children’s mother, a nurse whose personal space is filled with adult responsibilities, such as tax forms and paperwork. These ideas are translated into abstract, metaphorical visuals designed to reflect character identity and emotion.
