Mike Myers to Star in The Cat in the Hat
Posted on March 8, 2002
Mike Myers has been signed to star in the title role of Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat, the film adaptation of the children's classic. A Universal Pictures/DreamWorks Pictures/Imagine Entertainment presentation, Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat will be produced by Brian Grazer and directed by Bo Welch from a screenplay written by Alec Berg, David Mandel and Jeff Schaffer. Principal photography is scheduled to begin in the fall of this year at Universal Studios.
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss was first published in 1957, and remains one of the top ten best-selling hardcover children's books of all time. The mischievous feline visitor in the striped stove-pipe hat makes his big screen debut with this live-action production, which will bring the delightfully off-kilter Dr. Seuss characters -- as well as some new ones created especially for the film -- to life on the big screen.
Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat represents a renewed relationship between Universal Pictures and Mike Myers since the studio's production of Dieter in 2000 was shelved.
In a mutual statement, Myers and Grazer said: "The conflicts over Dieter are long behind us and only served to strengthen the relationship we've enjoyed for more than 10 years. We are all so enthusiastic about this project and thrilled to have this opportunity to work together."
Myers added, "It's great fun to be in a children's movie and it's an honor to be asked to be in the world of Dr. Seuss."
Myers next appears onscreen in the next installment of Austin Powers. In addition to starring in the Austin Powers films -- in multiple roles -- Myers also wrote and produced them. His most recent film performance was a vocal one, as the green ogre in Shrek.
Bo Welch, an Oscar-nominated film production designer, makes his debut as a film director with The Cat in the Hat. He has previously directed for television with credits including episodes of The Tick and Secret Agent Man. Producer Brian Grazer is currently a Best Picture Academy Award nominee for A Beautiful Mind.