'Cats' Producer Says The Film’s Backlash Stems From "People Who Didn’t Know ‘Cats’”

As someone who works in the world of film and TV news, it’s sometimes hard for me to think that there’s a big world, filled with various opinions, outside of my little slice of social media. So, when the two “Cats” trailers were released, judging by my observations, it would appear that most people are genuinely creeped out, but somehow morbidly curious as to what director Tom Hooper is about to deliver. Basically, that’s not the type of reaction you’d watch for a beloved musical adaptation coming to the big screen around Christmas.

But according to two producers that worked on “Cats,” Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan, the overall response to the trailers has been great and those people that don’t think the film looks good are probably just people that don’t know anything about the musical.

Speaking to Variety, the two producers were asked about the backlash that accompanied the release of the first trailer.

“What does one say?” said Fellner. “The reality is that 100 million people or more saw the trailer, and, yes, there were some people that didn’t like it, and as is the world we live in, those who didn’t like it were the most vociferous.”

“They were probably people who didn’t know ‘Cats,’ and the fact is they were either anticipating something animated or something that was on four legs,” added Bevan. “Among people who know ‘Cats,’ the reaction was pretty solid.”

Speaking only for myself, I am not completely familiar with the musical “Cats,” outside of the very basic things, such as some of the more iconic music. And try as I might, I can’t seem to piece together the plot, even after reading the wiki entry multiple times. But boy, oh boy, do these felines have fun names. I’m looking at you Rum Tum Tugger, Jennyanydots, Skimbleshanks, Rumpleteazer, and Bustopher Jones.

So, perhaps I’m just one of the uneducated folks that have no clue about what to expect with Hooper’s film? But, again, speaking only as one person, I do have to say that my initial feelings of horror and disbelief when watching both trailers (the newer one has better CGI but still creeps me the hell out) has more to do with the acting, the look of the felines, and honestly, James Corden’s finger-filled “paw.” It’s just unsettling.

But hey, the film could be amazing and I’m more than willing to reserve judgment until I experience it for myself.