London, UK [23 JULY 2026] — GRAMMY-winning, Emmy and BAFTA-nominated composer Lorne Balfe has been announced as the composer for Warner Bros. Pictures Animation’s upcoming animated feature The Cat in the Hat, set for global theatrical release in November 2026.
Balfe composed the original score for the highly anticipated film, bringing his expansive experience across blockbuster filmmaking, television and gaming to one of the most iconic properties in family entertainment. The project marks a major new chapter for Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and a fresh cinematic reimagining of Dr. Seuss’ beloved classic.
Speaking about the project, Balfe highlighted the significance of returning to the timeless world of Dr. Seuss and the importance of family storytelling.
“Bringing back the world of Doctor Seuss, alone, is a good enough reason to want to be involved, but it’s also about the genre. Family entertainment in the cinema is very important to me and the fact that The Cat in the Hat is so legendary, makes being a part of the project special.” His involvement is rooted in a desire to contribute to shared cinema experiences that resonate across generations, particularly within the family film space.
The score itself reflects a dynamic and playful musical direction, incorporating vibrant orchestral arrangements, rhythmic energy and a more upbeat, jazz-influenced tone, marking a distinctive departure from some of Balfe’s previous action-driven work. Notably, the recording sessions for The Cat in the Hat brought together an orchestra of 124 musicians at Abbey Road Studios, underscoring the scale and ambition of the production. Balfe spoke on the experience saying, “The fact that we had the largest orchestra recorded at Abbey Road, it was wonderful…working with some of the best musicians.”
Balfe’s involvement continues to build on a career defined by range and cultural impact. He has worked across some of the most recognisable global film franchises, including Mission: Impossible – Fallout and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. His wider body of work spans major studio titles, animated features such as The LEGO Batman Movie and Wallace & Gromit, as well as acclaimed television and leading video game franchises including Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed.
From large-scale action to animation and character-driven storytelling, Balfe’s composing approach remains rooted in emotional connection and narrative clarity, aligning closely with the film’s tone and ambitions.
The Cat in the Hat is slated for a theatrical release form the 6th November 2026, with further details to be announced.
Jem Girl at the Piano 