Warner Bros. Animation's upcoming Cat in the Hat movie, based on Dr. Seuss' beloved character, will take audiences on a journey through three distinct universes, as revealed by the creative team at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
Co-director Alessandro Carloni shared that the film explores the "real world," the fantastical "Seuss world" where the iconic Cat originates, and a unique "boxes world." The latter features the family of Gabby and Sebastian, who have just moved into a new house. Their adventures begin when the Cat turns an old couch into a magical portal using the contents of their moving boxes, as explained by Carloni.
“Parents know that all the kids need is a couch and a bunch of boxes,” joked Erica Rivinoja, co-director and writer. Each character’s box represents their personal world: Sebastian’s box is ocean-themed, reflecting his desire to reconnect with his older sister, while Gabby’s box delves into her nostalgic memories as a “band nerd,” portraying the emotional complexity of her longing for her old life. Gabby's world is described by art director Amos Sussigan as "between playful chaos and existential dread," influenced by the visual language of Euphoria.
Gabby’s mother’s box is filled with paperwork, representing her life as an overwhelmed nurse. Production designer Aidan Sugano emphasized the surreal nature of these landscapes, which explore the core identity of each character through imaginative, abstract designs, including a celestial galaxy to reflect her personality.
The film's source material, Dr. Seuss’ original work, heavily influenced the project’s wacky, whimsical style. Carloni reflected on the Cat's persona, questioning whether he is simply a chaotic figure or, as the film suggests, a profound child psychologist who knows exactly how to bring joy to bored kids. The Cat's latest assignment, filled with familiar Seuss characters, will challenge him like never before.
With vibrant use of color and inspiration from films like Soul and Feast, the team aims to bring a visually rich and emotionally connected experience to the screen. However, fans of Dr. Seuss' iconic character will have to wait a little longer for the magic to unfold on the big screen. The Cat in the Hat is now set for release in the United States on February 27, 2026.
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