Development[edit]

An animated film adaptation based on the musical was initially planned by Amblimation in the
1990s, but was abandoned with the studio's closure.[23] In December 2013, Andrew Lloyd
Webber, creator and composer of the musical stage production Cats, teased that Universal
Pictures, which purchased film adaptation rights to Cats many years ago, was putting the project
into active development.[24]
In February 2016, it was reported that Tom Hooper was in negotiations to direct the film, and was
considering actresses, including Suki Waterhouse, to star.[25] In May 2016, Hooper was confirmed
as director.[26]
In January 2018, Hooper and Working Title began officially casting for the film, whilst also looking
into the technical aspect of whether the film would be entirely live-action, or computer generated,
or a mix of both,[27] with Andrew Lloyd Webber announcing he would be writing a new song for
the film adaptation.[28]

Casting[edit]
In June 2018, there were reports Anne Hathaway and Rihanna were considered for roles in the
film, but both passed due to scheduling conflicts.[29] In July 2018, Jennifer Hudson, Taylor
Swift, James Corden and Ian McKellen joined the cast.[30]
In September 2018, Laurie Davidson and Mette Towley were cast, with Steven
Spielberg announced to be executive producing.[31][32] In October 2018, Idris Elba and Judi
Dench joined the cast of the film.[33][34]
In November 2018, ballet dancers Francesca Hayward and Steven McRae as well as Rebel
Wilson, Jason Derulo, and Robert Fairchild joined the cast of the film with rehearsals
commencing at Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire, England.[35][36][37][38] Andy
Blankenbuehler choreographed the film, after Wayne McGregor was forced to back out due to
"scheduling conflicts."[39] Blankenbuehler also choreographed the stage musical's 2016 Broadway
revival. In December 2018, Les Twins and Eric Underwood joined the cast.[40]

Filming[edit]
Principal photography began on December 12, 2018,[40] and wrapped on April 2, 2019.[41]

Release[edit]
The film is due for a theatrical release on December 20, 2019.[42]

Marketing[edit]
On July 17, 2019, Universal released a behind-the-scenes featurette detailing the various
aspects of the film's production and featuring interviews with the cast and crew.[43] The first trailer
for the film was released on July 18, 2019,[44] and received overwhelmingly negative reactions
from viewers.[45] Many viewers were unsettled by the mix of CGI and live-action used to portray
the cats, and cited the effects as an example of the uncanny valley.[46][47]

References[edit]
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