<P> Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat is a 2003 American comedy film directed by Bo Welch . It is based on the 1957 Dr. Seuss book of the same name . The film stars Mike Myers in the title role of the Cat in the Hat, and Dakota Fanning as Sally . Sally's brother (who is unnamed in the book and the 1971 TV special), Conrad, is portrayed by Spencer Breslin . The film is the second feature - length Dr. Seuss adaptation after the 2000 holiday film How the Grinch Stole Christmas . </P> <P> The idea was originally conceived in 2001, with Tim Allen initially cast as the Cat, but he dropped his role due to work on The Santa Clause 2, and the role was later given to Myers . Filming took place in California for three months . While the basic plot parallels that of the book, the film filled out its 82 minutes by adding new subplots and characters significantly different from the original story, similar to the feature film adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas . </P> <P> Released on November 21, 2003 in the United States, the film grossed $134 million worldwide . After the film's release, Seuss' widow, Audrey Geisel, decided not to allow any further live - action adaptations of Seuss' works to be produced, and as a result, a planned sequel based on The Cat in the Hat Comes Back was cancelled . </P> <P> Conrad and Sally Walden live in the city of Anville with their mother, Joan Walden . Joan works for neat - freak Hank Humberfloob, and is hosting an office party at her house . One day, she is called back to the office, leaving the kids with Mrs. Kwan, a tired babysitter, and forbidding them to enter the living room, which is being kept pristine for the upcoming party . Joan is also dating their next - door neighbor, Larry Quinn, much to Conrad's dismay . Larry is constantly on the lookout for any mischief Conrad may be up to, as he wants nothing more than to send him away to military school, as Conrad has earned the reputation of "trouble - maker", while his sister is characterized as "perfect and well - behaved". </P>

Who plays as the cat in the hat