In 2003, Dr. Seuss’ beloved children’s book, The Cat in the Hat, was adapted into a live-action film starring Mike Myers. The result was a fever dream that seemingly ended any live-action adaptations of the iconic author’s work. Well, at least authorized ones. The upcoming horror short, The Cat and the Hatchet, is “a twisted unauthorized horror parody of” the property.
Winnie-the-Pooh, Peter Pan, Bambi, Mickey Mouse, Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella have all received horror makeovers recently thanks to falling into the public domain. However, The Cat in the Hat is still very much under copyright, hence the incredibly specific language.
In the 15-second teaser trailer, we see Scratches the Cat hiding out in a basement. He lures 2 kids to him by loudly meowing. “I’m Scratches the Cat. There’s no doubt about that,” he explains. “And I’ve come with a grin to help find the fun….Hiding within….”
Then we cut to a shot of Scratches’ face covered in blood.
The Cat and the Hatchet
The film follows siblings Ellie and Connor on a particularly boring day. That is until the unrelenting horror that is Scratches the Cat shows up at their house. The kids go from confused to terrified as this fantastical creature unveils a sickening sense of humor.
Cameron Dodd directs the short starring Mark Ricci as Scratches the Cat. It’s produced by Ricci, Kaleb Carmichael, Six Side Studios, and Prime Capitol.
You can check out the teaser trailer for The Cat and the Hatchet below:
