Warner Bros. Pictures Animation has unveiled the first trailer for The Cat in the Hat, an imaginative animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s iconic children’s book. The film, which marks the studio’s inaugural theatrical release under its newly rebranded animation banner, is set to hit theaters on February 27, 2026.

The trailer launch was accompanied by a global virtual press conference, hosted by Megan Cruz, with appearances from Warner Bros. Pictures Animation President Bill Damaschke, directors Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni, and the Cat himself—voiced by none other than Saturday Night Live alum and Emmy winner Bill Hader.

“For The Cat in the Hat to be our first film just seems like the perfect project,” said Damaschke. “It’s an original take on a character so many people have a connection to, and what our filmmakers have created is whimsical, cinematic, and unlike anything you’ve seen before.”

A New Era of Seuss

Rather than delivering a straight retelling of the 1957 classic, Rivinoja and Carloni used the book as a launching pad. While staying true to the story’s heart, a chaotic day sparked by the mysterious arrival of a magical cat, the film expands beyond the source material, asking deeper questions about who the Cat really is.

“The Cat shows up, everybody goes crazy and has fun—that’s the core,” said Rivinoja. “But we also saw the potential to explore more. Is this Cat just messing around, or is there something more meaningful going on?”

Carloni added, “We imagined the Cat as possibly the world’s greatest child psychologist. What if his job is to help kids grow in confidence through these wild adventures?”

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Animation That Breaks the Rules

The trailer showcases a vibrant mix of styles, nodding to Dr. Seuss’s signature illustrations while introducing new, surreal worlds crafted entirely for the film. The team leaned into the unique potential of animation to visually represent the shift between the real and the Seussian—a design choice that lets the story jump between distinct, stylized realms.

“Every time the Cat enters from his world into ours, we shift aesthetics,” Carloni explained. “Different animation styles. Different looks. It’s like nothing we’ve done before.”

Bill Hader: The Only Cat for the Job

Stepping into the iconic red and white striped hat is Bill Hader, who brings a blend of zany unpredictability and emotional depth to the role. Hader, a longtime fan of the book and frequent collaborator with the filmmakers, said the project was a “mutual chase” he wanted in, and they wanted him.

“It’s such a fun character. A whirlwind of anything-can-happen energy,” Hader said. “Plus, I’ve read it to my kids a million times, so it just felt right.”

A Tease, Not a Tell

While the teaser trailer avoids spoiling too much of the plot, it firmly establishes the film’s tone: chaotic, heartfelt, and deeply Seussian. The filmmakers promise future trailers will explore more of the story’s scope, but for now, they’re simply giving audiences a taste of what’s to come.

“This is a film for the whole family,” said Rivinoja. “But we’re not just retelling a book—we’re creating a full cinematic adventure.”

The Cat in the Hat opens February 27, 2026, exclusively in theaters. With Hader at the helm and a creative team committed to honoring and expanding Dr. Seuss’s legacy, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation is kicking off a bold new chapter one red and white stripe at a time.

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