Bill Hader Leads All-Star Cast for Warner Bros.’ Animated ‘The Cat in the Hat’

Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and Dr. Seuss Enterprises have locked in an all-star comedic cast for their upcoming feature film The Cat in the Hat, which will debut in theaters globally on March 6, 2026.

The cast, led by Bill Hader (Barry) as The Cat, includes Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), Bowen Yang (SNL), Xochitl Gomez (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), Matt Berry (What We Do in the Shadows) and Paula Pell (Girls5eva).

Synopsis: In the wonderfully whimsical tradition of Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat comes to the big screen in his animated theatrical feature film debut, doing what he does best — spreading joy to “happyless” kids. In the film, The Cat takes on his toughest assignment yet … to cheer a pair of siblings struggling with their move to a new town.

The film is being written and directed by Alessandro Carloni (Kung Fu Panda 3) and Erica Rivinoja (writer/executive producer, Clone High [2023]; screenplay, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm) with Daniela Mazzucato and Jared Stern producing. Susan Brandt and Bill Hader will executive produce. DNEG Animation (Ron’s Gone Wrong, Entergalactic, Nimona, upcoming The Garfield Movie) will be the animation studio partner.

All headshots provided by Warner Bros. Pictures.

“We are overjoyed to partner with our friends at Dr. Seuss to take audiences of all ages on an adventure into the beloved world of The Cat in the Hat,” said Bill Damaschke, President of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. “With this incredible voice cast led by Bill Hader as the fun-loving, agent of chaos himself and our filmmakers Alessandro and Erica at the helm, we look forward to sharing this Seussian cinematic spectacle with audiences everywhere in 2026!”

Susan Brandt, President & CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, commented, “We are excited to see such an exceptional group of talent join the effort to bring this iconic property to the screen as an animated feature. It’s been an amazing experience collaborating with the team from Warner Bros. Pictures Animation so far, as they truly understand what it takes to capture the magic of The Cat in the Hat and share his brand of imagination and joy with a new generation of Dr. Seuss fans.”

The fun-loving cat and his iconic red-and-white striped hat first captured the imaginations of youngsters with the whimsical Dr. Seuss book in 1957. The Cat in the Hat will be the first animated feature to debut as part of a slate of animated projects that Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and Dr. Seuss Enterprises are developing together that builds out an extensive Dr. Seuss animated universe.