The Two Actors Who Played The Cat In The Hat: From Mike Myers’ Controversy To Bill Hader’s New Animated Role

The answer to the question "Who plays The Cat in the Hat in the movie?" is surprisingly complex, involving two major Hollywood comedians and a two-decade span between adaptations. While many immediately recall the controversial 2003 live-action film, a major new animated feature is set to redefine the iconic Dr. Seuss character for a new generation. As of this December 2025 update, the role has been played by a live-action star and is set to be voiced by a top-tier comedic actor in an upcoming production.

The original, and most widely recognized, actor to bring the mischievous feline to the big screen was Mike Myers in the 2003 live-action movie. However, the legacy of that film, which was a critical failure despite its box office performance, has led to a completely new direction. The latest actor to take on the role is Bill Hader, who will voice the character in a brand-new, fully animated feature film scheduled for release in 2026.

Mike Myers: The Controversial Live-Action Cat (2003)

Mike Myers, a master of character comedy known for his roles in Austin Powers and Shrek, took on the title role in the 2003 live-action adaptation, Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat. The film, directed by Bo Welch, was a significant box office gamble by Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment, featuring a massive $109 million budget.

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The Full Cast of the 2003 Live-Action Film

The film featured an ensemble of well-known actors, many of whom were rising stars or established comedians at the time. The main cast included:

• The Cat in the Hat: Mike Myers
• Sally Walden: Dakota Fanning (a young star on the rise)
• Conrad Walden: Spencer Breslin
• Mom (Joan Walden): Kelly Preston
• Lawrence Quinn: Alec Baldwin (The main antagonist, a character created specifically for the film)
• Mrs. Kwan: Amy Hill
• Fish (Voice): Sean Hayes

The Staggering Makeup and Costume Process

One of the most talked-about aspects of the 2003 production was the physical transformation Mike Myers underwent. The Cat’s look required extensive prosthetic makeup and a heavy costume designed by effects artist Steve Johnson.

• Makeup Time: The application of the facial prosthetics alone took approximately 2.5 to 5 hours each day.
• Costume Weight: The final "Cat" costume was eventually pared down to about three pounds, but the full ensemble was still a physically demanding wear for Myers.
• Initial Casting: Interestingly, the role was originally offered to Tim Allen, who had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts with The Santa Clause 2.

The Legacy of Controversy and Box Office Performance

Despite opening at number one at the domestic box office with a $38.3 million opening weekend, the film quickly faltered. It ultimately grossed $134 million worldwide against its $109 million budget, making it a financial disappointment given the high marketing costs.

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The critical reception was overwhelmingly negative, with many reviewers panning the film's crude humor and dark tone, which they felt betrayed the spirit of Dr. Seuss's original 1957 children's book. The controversy extended to the set, where reports of Mike Myers' "diva-like" behavior and demands became public.

The fallout from the 2003 film had a profound and lasting impact on the Dr. Seuss estate. Theodor Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss) widow, Audrey Geisel, was reportedly so displeased with the adaptation that she declared a complete ban on any future live-action adaptations of Dr. Seuss's classic works.

Bill Hader: The New Voice of The Cat (2026 Animated Film)

The Dr. Seuss estate's ban on live-action adaptations meant that the next film version of The Cat in the Hat would have to be animated, ensuring a more faithful and visually whimsical interpretation of the source material. This new era is being ushered in by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation with a computer-animated musical fantasy comedy, scheduled for a March 6, 2026, release.

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An All-Star Voice Cast and Expanded Story

The upcoming film features an exciting, comedic voice cast, promising a fresh take on the classic story. The film is being written and directed by Alessandro Carloni, known for his work on Kung Fu Panda 3.

• The Cat in the Hat: Bill Hader (known for Barry and SNL)
• Quinta Brunson: (Known for Abbott Elementary)
• Bowen Yang: (Known for SNL)
• America Ferrera: (Known for Ugly Betty and Barbie)
• Giancarlo Esposito: (Known for Breaking Bad)
• Xochitl Gomez: (Known for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness)

The New Plot Intention

Unlike the 2003 version, which heavily deviated from the book, the 2026 animated film is set to expand the world of the Cat and the siblings, Conrad and Sally. The plot will explore the Cat's world and his attempt to cheer up a pair of siblings who have just moved to a new town, riffing on the idea that showing children a good time is his main professional mission for the Institute for the Cat.

This new approach, centered on the Cat's backstory and a fully animated medium, is a direct response to the critical backlash of the live-action film. It aims to capture the original book's playful, imaginative, and colorful spirit, providing a modern yet faithful adaptation that the Dr. Seuss estate can fully endorse.