‘The Cat in the Hat’ Sequel Hinges on Whether the First Film Becomes a Hit

Warner Bros. has big plans for Dr. Seuss on the big screen. ‘The Cat in the Hat’, with Bill Hader voicing the title character, opens in theaters on November 6 and is meant to launch a shared animated universe known as the “Seussiverse.”

Warner Bros. Pictures Animation head Bill Damaschke said at CinemaCon that the film would kick off that universe; the Looney Tunes short ‘Daffy Season’ will also play in front of the film. Whether the Cat gets a second outing will depend on audiences. As TheWrap shared, The Cat in the Hat 2 will happen if the first film becomes a box office hit.

According to TheWrap, a follow-up would be part of the larger collaboration between Warner Bros. and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, but only if the first film succeeds. No sequel has been officially announced.

Early tracking suggests a solid but not spectacular start. TheWrap projects a domestic opening of $20 million to $22 million, while Variety has pointed to $20 million to $25 million from about 4,000 North American theaters.

New trailer for ‘The Cat In The Hat’, in theaters on November 6th. The trailer features Hilary Duff’s new song “CATastrophe.” https://t.co/Vk0fmjOf9y

— Cartoon History (@Cartoonhistory2) October 4, 2026

TheWrap reports that the film cost nearly $100 million to make. It also faces tough competition from ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’, which TheWrap expects to win the weekend with a domestic opening of $30 million to $35 million.

For comparison, the 2003 live-action ‘The Cat in the Hat’ opened to $38.3 million and earned about $134 million worldwide on a $109 million budget. That benchmark puts extra pressure on the new animated version.

Bill Hader is stepping into the iconic role of THE CAT IN THE HAT!🐱🎩 The Emmy-winning actor reveals he tried not to overthink things or let his nerves take over while bringing the beloved Dr. Seuss character to life. “The Cat in the Hat” hits theatres November 6! 🍿 #TheCatInTheHat #BillHader #CriticsChoice

— Critics Choice Awards (@CriticsChoice) November 5, 2026

Reviews may also shape the film’s prospects. Deadline’s review called it a delightful and long-overdue animated debut, while other critics praised Hader’s performance but felt the adaptation drifted from the spirit of the book.

The Associated Press gave the film 1.5 stars out of 4 and argued it doesn’t need a sequel. The Hollywood Reporter said the film captures Seuss’ silliness but misses the source material’s charm.

The movie itself seems eager for a follow-up. According to the AP, the Cat declares “Let’s go sequel!” during the credits, and the film includes on-screen references to possible spinoffs involving the jet-powered couch and the Things.

A post-credits scene also offers an animated teaser for ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’. A mid-credits scene shows the Cat finishing his assignment with Gabby and Sebastian before reuniting with Sally and her brother.

Critics Choice Award winner America Ferrera voices Carmen, the hard-working single mother in the upcoming animated film The Cat in the Hat! While she was excited to lend her voice to the film, Ferrera says what really fascinated her was the creative process behind animation and the magic of bringing these characters to life. ✨ #AmericaFerrera #TheCatInTheHat #CriticsChoice

— Critics Choice Awards (@CriticsChoice) November 5, 2026

Warner Bros. has already lined up more Seuss projects. ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’ is set for March 17, 2028, with Jon M. Chu attached to direct and Industrial Light & Magic handling animation.

The studio is also planning a ‘Thing One and Thing Two’ spinoff. Their broader animation slate includes ‘Bad Fairies’ in May 2027, ‘Margie Claus’ in November 2027, and a ‘Hello Kitty’ feature in 2028.

The Seussiverse is already moving forward, but a direct sequel depends on how audiences respond this weekend. A strong showing could secure the Cat’s return, while a softer start might put those plans on hold.

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