Cats (2019 film)

Cats (film)
Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	2019; 7 years ago
Headquarters	New York City, United States
Products	Musical fantasy motion picture

Cats is a 2019 musical fantasy motion picture adapted from the 1981 West End stage production Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which itself draws inspiration from the 1939 poetry anthology Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats authored by T. S. Eliot. The film was helmed by director Tom Hooper, recognized for his work on Les Misérables (2012), with the screenplay co-developed by Hooper alongside Lee Hall. The ensemble cast includes James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo (making his cinematic debut), Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, and Francesca Hayward (also in her first film role).

Principal photography took place between December 2018 and April 2019. The movie had its premiere at Alice Tully Hall in New York City on 16 December 2019, followed by releases in both the United Kingdom and the United States on 20 December. With a production budget estimated between $80 million and $100 million, Cats earned $75.5 million globally, leading to an approximate $71 million deficit after accounting for additional expenses. It was widely regarded as a commercial failure and garnered overwhelmingly negative critical reception, frequently being listed among cinema’s poorest achievements.

Plot

Victoria, a young white feline, finds herself abandoned in London and subsequently welcomed into a community of street cats known as the "Jellicles." Prominent Jellicles such as Mr. Mistoffelees, Munkustrap, Cassandra, and Demeter introduce Victoria to their society as they prepare for the annual Jellicle Ball. During this event, cats vie for selection to ascend to the Heaviside Layer, granting them a renewed existence.

Among the contenders are Jennyanydots, a domestic tabby who enhances nighttime productivity; the flamboyant Rum Tum Tugger; Bustopher Jones, a distinguished cat proud of his stature; Skimbleshanks, an orderly ginger cat managing train operations; and Gus, an aged theatrical cat known for his historic performances.

Victoria encounters the mischievous pair Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, who draw her into mischief, resulting in her becoming entangled in necklaces when alerted by a household dog. Mr. Mistoffelees comes to her aid just prior to the arrival of the wise matriarch of their tribe, Old Deuteronomy. At the Jellicle Ball held within an abandoned Egyptian Theatre, Victoria delivers a ballet solo but is distracted when Cassandra bullies Grizabella, a former glamour cat shunned due to her past association with Macavity, a criminal feline with teleportation abilities. Victoria sympathizes with Grizabella’s experience of rejection. Old Deuteronomy reassures Victoria that she is eligible to become a Jellicle.

The alluring Bombalurina interrupts with a performance lauding Macavity, incapacitating many Jellicles through exposure to catnip. Macavity then arrives, demanding to be named Jellicle Choice, but Old Deuteronomy refuses him and is subsequently abducted along with other participants. Distraught by these events, Victoria implores Mr. Mistoffelees to employ his magical powers to rescue Old Deuteronomy. After several efforts, he succeeds, prompting celebration among the Jellicles. Macavity and Bombalurina flee, leaving his accomplice Growltiger vulnerable to the liberated cats.

Grizabella returns to perform an emotional ballad reflecting on her past errors and faded glory, moving the Jellicles deeply. Old Deuteronomy selects her as the Jellicle Choice and sends her to the Heaviside Layer via a magical chandelier restored by Mr. Mistoffelees. Macavity's final attempt to follow ends disastrously when he falls from Nelson's Column. The Jellicles reunite with their rescued members as they witness Grizabella's ascent at dawn. Old Deuteronomy welcomes Victoria into their community.

Development

During the 1990s, Amblimation had plans to create an animated adaptation of the musical, but the project was discontinued following the studio’s shutdown. In December 2013, Andrew Lloyd Webber, the original creator of Cats, disclosed that Universal Pictures, which had secured the film rights years prior, was actively progressing with development.

By February 2016, Tom Hooper entered discussions to direct the film, considering actresses such as Suki Waterhouse for roles. Hooper’s appointment as director was officially confirmed in May 2016. Early in 2018, Hooper and Working Title began the casting process while deliberating between live-action and CGI techniques. Lloyd Webber also announced plans to compose a new song specifically for this adaptation.

On 24 October 2019, the new track titled "Beautiful Ghosts" was unveiled, co-written by Lloyd Webber and Taylor Swift. The song was performed by Francesca Hayward, featured a reprise by Judi Dench, and included a credits version sung by Swift herself. Swift’s rendition was released on 15 November 2019.

Casting

Anne Hathaway was approached for a part in June 2018 but declined due to conflicting schedules. Hugh Jackman was also offered a role but turned it down. By July 2018, the cast had expanded to include Jennifer Hudson, Taylor Swift, James Corden, and Ian McKellen. Swift, who had previously auditioned for Tom Hooper’s Les Misérables (2012 film), was cast as Bombalurina without needing to audition.

In September 2018, Laurie Davidson and Mette Towley joined the ensemble, with Steven Spielberg announced as executive producer. The following month brought Idris Elba and Judi Dench into the cast. Dench, initially cast for the stage production but forced to withdraw due to injury, was offered the role of Old Deuteronomy after the character was rewritten as female.

November 2018 saw ballet dancers Francesca Hayward and Steven McRae join alongside Rebel Wilson, Jason Derulo, and Robert Fairchild; rehearsals commenced at Leavesden Studios in England. Andy Blankenbuehler took on choreography duties after Wayne McGregor withdrew because of scheduling conflicts; Blankenbuehler had previously choreographed the 2016 Broadway revival of the stage musical. In December 2018, Les Twins and Eric Underwood were added to the cast as filming began.

Filming

Principal photography started on 12 December 2018 and concluded on 2 April 2019. Taylor Swift mentioned that the cast participated in "cat school," which involved extensive barefoot crawling, hissing exercises, and training to embody feline instincts, movements, and sensory awareness.

Music

The film’s score was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber in collaboration with producer Greg Wells, who joined midway through production in 2019. Portions of the recordings took place at Abbey Road Studios with accompaniment from the London Symphony Orchestra. Wells contributed instrumentally by playing drums, pipe organ, bass guitar, and Abbey Road’s distinctive Mrs Mills piano.

A condensed "highlights" soundtrack lasting 59 minutes was released on 20 December 2019 through Polydor Records and Republic Records in the United States. The single "Beautiful Ghosts" performed by Taylor Swift premiered on 15 November 2019. Music production for the film continued up until less than two months before its theatrical debut.

Musical numbers

"Overture"/"Prologue: Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats" – Orchestra and Ensemble
"The Naming of Cats"/"The Invitation to the Jellicle Ball"† – Munkustrap, Mr. Mistoffelees, and Ensemble
"Jennyanydots: The Old Gumbie Cat" – Jennyanydots, Munkustrap, and Ensemble
"The Rum Tum Tugger" – Rum Tum Tugger, Jennyanydots, and Ensemble
"Grizabella: The Glamour Cat"† – Grizabella, Cassandra, Demeter, and Ensemble
"Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town" – Bustopher Jones, Rum Tum Tugger, Maitre D', and Ensemble
"Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" – Mungojerrie, Rumpleteazer, and Victoria
"Growltiger's Last Stand"† – Growltiger
"Old Deuteronomy" – Munkustrap, Old Deuteronomy, and Ensemble
"The Jellicle Ball"† – Ensemble
"Memory (Prelude)"/"Beautiful Ghosts" – Grizabella and Victoria
"The Moments of Happiness"† – Old Deuteronomy
"Gus: The Theatre Cat" – Gus
"Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat" – Skimbleshanks, Munkustrap, and Ensemble
"Macavity: The Mystery Cat" – Bombalurina, Macavity, Mungojerrie, Rumpleteazer, Griddlebone, and Ensemble
"Mr. Mistoffelees" – Mr. Mistoffelees, Munkustrap, and Ensemble
"Memory" – Grizabella and Victoria
"Beautiful Ghosts (Reprise)"† – Victoria and Old Deuteronomy
"The Journey to the Heaviside Layer"† – Ensemble
"Finale: The Ad-Dressing of Cats" – Old Deuteronomy and Ensemble

† indicates tracks not included on the official soundtrack.

Visual effects

Cats extensively utilizes visual effects (VFX) to digitally convert live performers into anthropomorphic feline characters through computer-generated imagery (CGI). Although the original plan involved traditional makeup and fur costumes with prosthetics, director Tom Hooper found these methods restrictive in conveying nuanced emotions. This led to adopting a fully CGI-based technique. The visual effects production was carried out by subsidiaries of Technicolor SA, including Mill Film and MPC. Actors wore motion capture suits embedded with tracking markers on their costumes and faces to capture their movements accurately. Their digital feline bodies were then seamlessly combined with their facial performances using advanced digital fur rendering.

An early cut of the film sparked controversy due to visible anatomical inaccuracies—specifically exposed anuses on the cat characters—caused by VFX oversights; these were subsequently removed by a dedicated visual effects artist. Much of the post-production VFX work took place at Mill Film’s studios in Montreal and Adelaide under demanding conditions, with reports indicating employees worked up to 80–90 hours weekly to meet tight deadlines. Hooper’s unconventional requirements included rejecting standard CGI review processes by demanding complete high-quality renders before any feedback could be given. Additionally, he insisted on incorporating authentic cat movements into dance sequences, complicating the animation process further. The trailer alone required six months to complete, leaving only four months for finalizing the entire 110-minute feature; visual effects were finished mere hours before the film’s debut.

At the 92nd Academy Awards, hosts James Corden and Rebel Wilson parodied the film’s CGI while presenting the Best Visual Effects award. This drew backlash from VFX professionals who had been laid off following production as well as criticism from the Visual Effects Society. Moreover, the film’s CGI shortcomings were lampooned in the 2022 Disney release Chip 'n' Dale: Rescue Rangers, underscoring its notoriety within the visual effects community.

Release

The movie had its debut at Alice Tully Hall within the Lincoln Center in New York City on 16 December 2019, followed by its theatrical launch in both the United Kingdom and the United States on 20 December 2019.

Marketing

On 6 April 2019, Hudson delivered a performance of "Memory" at Las Vegas CinemaCon, accompanied by exclusive behind-the-scenes footage featuring the cast and crew. Later, on 17 July 2019, Universal unveiled a behind-the-scenes featurette highlighting production details and interviews with the team.

The initial trailer was released on 18 July 2019 but was met with largely negative feedback. Audiences expressed discomfort with the CGI and live-action combination, citing the uncanny valley effect. Many drew parallels to the early trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog, which faced similar criticism that led to a redesign and postponed release. The studio allocated an estimated $115 million toward worldwide marketing and promotional efforts.

Home media

Cats became available for digital purchase on 17 March 2020, followed by Blu-ray and DVD releases in the United States on 7 April. Subsequent releases occurred on 29 April 2020 in Australia and on 1 June 2020 in the United Kingdom.

CGI errors and modified release

The initial version contained noticeable CGI flaws, such as a scene where Judi Dench’s human hand with her wedding ring appeared instead of Old Deuteronomy’s feline paw. Due to unfavorable critiques, Universal informed theaters on opening day that an updated Digital Cinema Package featuring "enhanced visual effects" would be accessible for download starting 22 December, encouraging replacement of existing prints. This decision to alter a film already widely distributed was regarded as unprecedented within the industry.

Box office

Cats earned $27.2 million domestically in the United States and Canada, alongside $47.4 million internationally, summing up to $74.6 million worldwide against an approximate production budget of $95 million. Deadline Hollywood estimated that the film incurred a net loss of $113.6 million.

Originally anticipated to generate between $15–20 million during its opening weekend in North America, Universal aimed its marketing primarily at young women, leveraging Taylor Swift’s involvement as counterprogramming against Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. However, after grossing only $2.6 million on opening day including previews, projections were revised downward to $7 million. Ultimately, the film opened with $6.5 million, ranking fourth at the box office; this performance was influenced by negative reactions to the trailer, poor critical reception, and stiff competition.

In its second weekend, Cats collected $4.8 million over the five-day Christmas period, placing eighth at the box office, then dropped to $2.6 million in its third weekend, finishing tenth.

Critical response

According to review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, only 19% of critics gave favorable reviews out of 334 total, with an average rating of . The site's consensus stated: "Despite its fur-midable cast, this Cats adaptation is a clawful mistake that will leave most viewers begging to be put out of their mew-sery." On Metacritic, it holds a weighted average score of 32 out of 100 based on 51 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable" feedback. Audience polling by CinemaScore assigned an average grade of "C+", while PostTrak reported a low rating of 0.5 out of 5 stars with only 30% definitely recommending it.

Peter Debruge from Variety described the film as "one of those once-in-a-blue-moon embarrassments" detrimental to careers of both established actors like Idris Elba and newcomers such as Francesca Hayward. He criticized the directing and visual effects but suggested it might find appeal among the furry fandom, despite many viewers finding the effects unsettling.

David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter labeled it "exhausting," citing flawed visual concepts and disproportionate relationships between characters and their surroundings. Peter Travers from Rolling Stone gave it zero stars due to bizarre special effects and lifeless direction that hindered character development.

In the Los Angeles Times, Justin Chang commented on "grotesque design choices" that created discomfort visually. Debruge recommended sticking to traditional stage elements such as "face paint and Lycra." Simran Hans from The Observer called it "a clear career low" for most involved actors, questioning their awareness about the project's quality. Peter Bradshaw writing for The Guardian awarded one star while criticizing both visual aesthetics and character design.

Manohla Dargis of The New York Times acknowledged director Tom Hooper’s efforts but noted a lack of human connection in this live-action adaptation resulting in "canned images" devoid of emotional resonance.

The Hollywood Reporter ranked Cats among the ten worst films released in 2019. Travers deemed it "the bottom of the 2019 barrel—and arguably of the decade," whereas Adam Graham from The Detroit News called it "the biggest disaster of the decade." Alex Cranz from io9 cautioned viewers about incomplete visual effects and strange creative decisions. Ty Burr from The Boston Globe gave it half a star and advised that small children avoid it altogether. Patrick Gibbs from SLUG concluded there was "not enough kitty litter in the world to cover up this mess."

On a more positive note, Pete Hammond from Deadline commended Taylor Swift's portrayal as Bombalurina along with her performance of "Macavity" and co-writing "Beautiful Ghosts" with Lloyd Webber. Patrick Ryan from USA Today praised Swift’s charisma despite limited screen presence. Hans remarked that Swift appeared to be enjoying herself more than any other cast member. Jennifer Hudson also received acclaim for her rendition of "Memory," described by some critics as "the best part" and "the only musical number that evokes genuine emotion."

Andrew Lloyd Webber criticized the film as "ridiculous," blaming director Tom Hooper for excluding original contributors from the production team. He disclosed that he had warned Universal executives about potential failure a year prior but was ignored. In 2021, Lloyd Webber revealed his negative experience inspired him to adopt a Havanese dog.

Simon Wells, who was initially attached to direct an animated version for Amblimation, remarked that this live-action adaptation contained "a lot of things about it that are not good."

Accolades

On 26 December 2019, Universal opted to remove Cats from its For Your Consideration page, and the movie was subsequently not accessible on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' private streaming media platform designated for award nominees.

Honors and nominations received by *Cats*
Award	Ceremony Date	Category	Nominees	Outcome
Dorian Awards	2020	Most Campy Film of the Year	Cats	Template:Won
Golden Globe Awards	5 January 2020	Best Original Song	"Beautiful Ghosts" – Music and Lyrics by Taylor Swift and Andrew Lloyd Webber	Template:Nom
Golden Raspberry Awards	16 March 2020	Worst Picture	Debra Hayward, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Tom Hooper	Template:Won
		Worst Director	Tom Hooper	Template:Won
		Worst Actress	Francesca Hayward	Template:Nom
		Worst Supporting Actor	James Corden	Template:Won
		Worst Supporting Actress	Judi Dench	Template:Nom
		Worst Supporting Actress	Rebel Wilson	Template:Won
		Worst Screenplay	Lee Hall and Tom Hooper; Adapted from Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, based on T. S. Eliot's work	Template:Won
		Worst Screen Combo	Any two half-human/half-feline hairballs	Template:Won
		Worst Screen Combo	Jason Derulo and his CGI-altered "bulge"	Template:Nom
Golden Reel Awards	2020	Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Musical for Feature Film	John Warhurst, Nina Hartstone, Victor Chaga, Cecile Tournesac, and James Shirley	Template:Nom
Grammy Awards	14 March 2021	Best Song Written for Visual Media	"Beautiful Ghosts" – Taylor Swift and Andrew Lloyd Webber	Template:Nom
Huading Awards	2020	Best Global Film Theme Song		Template:Nom
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards	2 May 2020	Favorite Movie Actress	Taylor Swift	Template:Nom

External links