Bill Hader is stepping back into the limelight.
The talented comedian lends his voice to the iconic feline in the upcoming animated film The Cat in the Hat, which is based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved children’s book from 1957. This marks Hader’s second portrayal of the character, having previously embodied a more adult version on Saturday Night Live in a skit back in 2014.
During the film’s Los Angeles premiere on Sunday, Hader remarked that his SNL incarnation “was a vastly different version of the Cat in the Hat” compared to this more family-oriented interpretation, a role he felt “very flattered” to undertake. He also disclosed that he didn’t reference Mike Myers’ 2003 live-action portrayal, admitting he had never seen it.
The film’s writer/directors, Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni, praised Hader on the red carpet, highlighting their past collaborations and confidence in his ability to lead the project. Rivinoja stated, “He’s the funniest, best voice actor ever,” while Carloni emphasized Hader’s unique ability to blend humor with depth, saying, “The cat needed someone who, at times, would make you question if he’s merely a fool, or if he truly has a plan. Bill delivers on that brilliantly.”
However, Hader admitted that the high-energy demands of voice acting left him feeling drained, revealing, “People assume it’s all fun and games; in reality, it’s quite exhausting. I found myself needing a nap after every session because I’m just getting old.”
The film boasts an impressive voice cast including Quinta Brunson, America Ferrera, Matt Berry, Bowen Yang, Xochitl Gomez, Giancarlo Esposito, and Tituss Burgess. The plot extends beyond the initial storyline of Dr. Seuss’ book, with Rivinoja noting that the book’s content only covers the first few minutes of the film, which then explores “where the cat ventures next.”
Brunson experienced the finished film for the first time during a screening filled with children, sharing, “As an adult, with my showrunner and writer hat on, I often find myself consumed by editing and notes. But witnessing the joyful reactions of the kids was delightful. They were truly enjoying themselves, even before the movie was finished… it served as a reminder that this film is meant for kids and families to enjoy.”
The Cat in the Hat is set to hit theaters on November 6.
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