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The beloved character of Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat, is getting a fresh new adaptation in animation, starring Bill Hader. The film is set to hit theaters on February 27, 2026. This new adaptation comes after the 2003 live-action version of The Cat in the Hat, starring Mike Myers, received widespread criticism from audiences and critics alike.
Audrey Geisel's Vision for Dr. Seuss's Works
Audrey Stone Geisel, the widow of Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel, was highly critical of the 2003 live-action film. She famously proclaimed that her late husband's works would never again be adapted into live-action films. Geisel's vision for Dr. Seuss's works was to preserve the whimsical and imaginative world that her husband created.
In an interview with Today in 2004, Geisel shared her husband's concerns about adapting his works into live-action films. "I never saw Austin Powers, but I knew 'Yeah, baby!' and I didn't want 'Yeah, baby!' at all," she said, referring to Mike Myers' iconic dialogue from Austin Powers.
The Legacy of Dr. Seuss
After Theodor Geisel's passing in 1991, Audrey Geisel became fiercely protective of the Seuss brand and created Dr. Seuss Enterprises in 1993. She served as the president and CEO of the company until her death in 2018.
Theodor Geisel, despite his iconic children's books, wasn't exactly fond of children. "He was afraid of children to a degree," Audrey Geisel shared in an interview. "What might they do next? What might they ask next?"
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The new animated film, starring Bill Hader, promises to bring the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss back to life in a way that honors the original spirit of the beloved character. With the release date set for February 27, 2026, fans of Dr. Seuss can look forward to a fresh take on a classic tale.