Brief
Tim Minchin discusses composing new song for The Cat In The Hat film
The comedian‑musician says his track aims to capture the story’s optimism and the joy of innocence.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Tim Minchin said he is “best at making people cry” while talking about his work on the upcoming animated film The Cat In The Hat, according to an interview with the Press Association published on 18 October 2026.
What happened
The new film adapts Dr Seuss’s 1957 book and stars Bill Hader as the titular character. It features an original score by Grammy‑winning composer Lorne Balfe and a theme song written and performed by Minchin. The story follows two siblings adjusting to a new town, with music woven into the plot – the child Gabby is a trumpet player and her mother once lived a “rock and roll” life.
What the reports add
Minchin explained that the soundtrack is meant to capture the “spirit” of the adaptation, using the book’s ending as a springboard for a fresh narrative. He described the title track as an “earworm banger” that reflects the film’s “unbelievable optimism, positivity, energy, and childlike glee.” Balfe added that working on a Dr Seuss world feels liberating because “there are no rules” and “you can create anything you want.” Both said music serves as escapism that brings happiness.
What was said
“Music is a way to get your feelings out, and creativity is a release and an escape,” Minchin told the Press Association.
“My job was to create an earworm banger that reflected The Cat In The Hat’s unbelievable optimism, positivity, energy, and childlike glee in the world,” he added.
Balfe said, “The good thing I’ve always felt about the world of Dr Seuss is that there are no rules… you don’t have to worry that you’re going to make something that’s wrong because it can’t be wrong.”
How it came about
Minchin, known for West End scores such as Matilda The Musical and Groundhog Day, was approached to write the film’s theme song and contribute to the score alongside Balfe. Their collaboration follows earlier soundtrack news, including Hilary Duff’s release of the song “CATastrophe” for the same movie on 2 October 2026, which Felo covered in a previous article.
Key facts
- Tim Minchin wrote and performed the theme song for the new animated film The Cat In The Hat. (standard.co.uk)
- The film’s score is composed by Grammy‑winner Lorne Balfe. (standard.co.uk)
- Bill Hader voices the title character in the movie. (standard.co.uk)
- Minchin described his song as an "earworm banger" meant to capture the story’s optimism. (standard.co.uk)
- Balfe said working on a Dr Seuss world feels rule‑free and encourages creative freedom. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Tim Minchin on composing for Cat In The Hat: ‘I’m best at making people cry’”
