A new Cat in the Hat movie is set to cause mischief at Warner Bros.

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

"Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"

– Dr. Seuss

All aboard the Nostalgia Express, folks, because the Dr. is in, and all of his friends are coming to a theater near you! It's been announced that the Warner Animation Group has brokered a deal with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to produce a series of films based on the curious characters and strange stories created by Dr. Theodore Seuss "Ted" Geisel.

Leading the pack of films that are set to come from the deal will be a straight-up animated version of The Cat in the Hat, which is currently in the process of readying for production as the search for a writer begins.

On Wednesday, when both companies jointly came forward with the news, Warners chairman Toby Emmerich said, “Our Pictures Group is home to some of the world’s most popular film franchises, and we’re honored to add Dr. Seuss titles to that roster. With Warner Animation Group, we’ve really revitalized our feature animation activities, and this partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises will continue our move into world-class, wide-appeal animated fare.”

President at Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. Susan Barndt then added, “For generations, Dr. Seuss has entertained and delighted children and adults alike with his whimsical tales. Our partnership with Warner Animation Group continues those efforts by reimagining the beloved characters and stories for theater-going audiences, while keeping the integrity of Dr. Seuss’s vision intact.”

And a mighty vision it is, Ms. Brandt. Dr. Seuss lived to be 87-years-old, and by that time had published over 60 children's books using the iconic pen name. The first book written and drawn by Seuss, The Cat in the Hat, was published on March 12, 1957. The family-friendly story tells of a lanky anthropomorphic cat, who wears a red and white striped hat and a red bow tie. While babysitting two children, the Cat unleashes an over-the-top bit of mischief that almost places the children in a heap of trouble. The book has been translated into more than 20 languages and was made into a terrible live-action film starring Mike Myers in 2003.

For the moment, Warner Bros. have not announced any of the other Seuss titles they plan to adapt, though I'm sure that versions of Green Eggs and Ham, Oh, the Places You'll Go, as well as And to Think I saw it on Mulbeery Street aren't far behind.

"You'll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut."

– Dr. Seuss