From Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper comes a new live-action version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical, Cats. The popular Broadway show is being adapted for the big screen for the second time, and if the trailer is anything to go by, we’re in for a serious treat.
Here is everything you need to know about Cats ahead of its December release.
From the all-star cast, to the hi-tech CGI creating the feline army, Cats is blurring the lines between the physical and animation.
What is the film about?
The film is based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats about a tribe of felines, all with lively personalities, who must decide who goes to heaven and returns as a new cat. The story takes place on the night of the Jellicle Ball, where the cats tell their life stories to their leader.
When is it being released?
Well, the bad news is that it won’t be arriving on our screens until December 20, 2019. The good news? It’ll be worth the wait. Swings and roundabouts, people.
Whose is starring in the film?
Taylor Swift, James Corden, Rebel Wilson, Idris Elba, Jason Derulo, Francesca Hayward and Jennifer Hudson have all been confirmed to star in the film adaptation. No biggie.
True to form, the cast will appear in cat costumes. However, rather than physically wearing costumes, they will be created using CGI.
“It’s pretty interesting to be a cat all day,” Rebel Wilson announced on the Ellen DeGeneres show. “We do have to go to cat school, which is where we all just pretend to be cats together.”
Taylor, who is taking on the role of the flirtatious cat Bombalurina, teased fans with a behind-the-scenes snap with the caption: “Meow.”
Is there a trailer?
You bet! Universal and Working Title dropped the trailer last Thursday and it has divided the nation.
Many are excited, naturally, but some have accused the film for ‘whitewashing’ the film’s leading black actress Francesca Hayward. In the trailer, Francesca can be seen with a white face of fur despite having a naturally dark skin tone. Unsurprisingly this has sparked outrage online with critics expressing their discontent. “This is bs and you know it. I’ve seen multiple casts for this show, and I love this show, so don’t try to justify this. It’s racism simple as,” wrote one user.
While the online reaction has been less than positive, we’re holding out hope for a Christmas miracle!
