After Universal Pictures’ new film “Cats” was clawed and torn to shreds by critics last week, the studio told movie theaters on Friday that it would be sending a new version of the film with “some improved visual effects.”
The move of replacing a film already in theaters with an “improved” version is unheard of But according to a copy of a memo obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, director Tom Hooper has been upfront about the fact that he barely finished the CGI on the film in time for the world premiere in New York City last week, and the switch is at his request.
Critics have disparaged “Cats,” which stars Francesca Hayward, Taylor Swift, Judi Dench, Jennifer Hudson and Idris Elba, among others. The film received a C+ CinemaScore and was slapped with a 19% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The updated film is expected to be available for cinemas to download on Sunday via a satellite server, but for exhibitors that don’t have access to the server, they are expected to receive a hard drive by Tuesday, according to Universal. The studio is asking that theaters replace the current print of Cats as soon as possible.
Universal didn’t immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment
“Tom Hooper’s jarring fever dream of a spectacle is like something that escaped from Dr. Moreau’s creature laboratory instead of a poet’s and a composer’s feline (uni)verse, an un-catty valley hybrid of physical and digital that unsettles and crashes way more often than it enchants,” he wrote in TheWrap’s review of the film.
“Cats” has earned just $2.6 million at the domestic box office so far and is projected for just an $8 million opening from 3,380 screens, against a reported production budget of $95 million before tax incentives.
'Cats' Movie Cast: Who's Playing Whom in Feline Feature, From Jennifer Hudson to Taylor Swift (Photos)
The star-studded cast of Universal's upcoming adaptation of "Cats" includes Oscar winners, pop stars, and newcomers.
Here's who's who on the cast of "Cats."
Photo credit: Universal
Judi Dench as Old Deuteronomy
Oscar-winner Dench portrays the wise matriarch of the Jellicles -- the tribe of cats. She chooses one of the tribe to be reborn into a new life.
In previous stage versions, Old Deuteronomy is a male cat. Dench has said in the film, her character is trans.
Photo credit: Universal
Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella
Fellow Oscar winner Hudson plays the outcast Grizabella, a former "glamour cat" whose looks have faded. She sings the most famous song from the musical, "Memory."
Photo credit: Universal
Ian McKellan as Gus the Theatre Cat
The British thesp's role isn't too much of a stretch; he portrays an elderly cat that was once a famous actor.
Photo credit: Universal
Robbie Fairchild as Munkustrap
The dancer/actor plays the musical's main narrator who befriends Victoria.
Photo credit: Universal
Laurie Davidson as Mr. Mistoffelees
"The Original Conjuring Cat," Mr. Mistoffelees possesses magical powers.
Photo credit: Universal
Jason Derulo as Rum Tum Tugger
The R&B star and Instagram sensation plays a flashy feline who loves to dance.
Photo credit: Universal
Taylor Swift as Bombalurina
The pop star portrays a furry flirt. She is seen sprinkling catnip in the trailer.
Photo credit: Universal
Rebel Wilson as Jennyanydots
The comedian portrays Jennyanydots aka "Old Gumbie Cats." She's quite lazy during the day and more active at night.
Photo credit: Universal
James Corden as Bustopher Jones
The late-night host plays a fancy cat who enjoys the finer things in life.
Photo credit: Universal
Francesca Hayward as Victoria
The newcomer plays the innocent kitten Victoria.
Photo credit: Universal
Idris Elba as Macavity
Elba takes a villainous turn as Macavity, aka the "Mystery Cat." His henchman kidnap Old Deuteronomy.
Photo credit: Universal
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The cast of the big-screen adaptation includes Oscar winners, pop stars, and newcomers
The star-studded cast of Universal's upcoming adaptation of "Cats" includes Oscar winners, pop stars, and newcomers.