Inside Cats movie: The cast and crew spill details

This sneak peek for Cats gives a whole new meaning to “viral cat video.” Check out the making of the star-studded musical, Cats.

Fan sites have been purring over a brand-new cat video. But it’s not one of the 2-million-plus viral compilations featuring lazy cats, angry cats, or cuddly cats. Instead, it spotlights cats who sing, dance, and cry on cue. If you haven’t guessed, I’m referring to the first look inside the upcoming movie Cats.

While the trailer itself has been pretty polarizing, the behind-the-scenes footage offers viewers a deeper look inside the film. In this case, hearing from the charismatic costars will give us interesting tidbits to chew on beyond just a teaser. Some fans are already excited about seeing the musical comedy. While others aren’t quite sold on the CGI-infused Hollywood adaptation yet.

Cats is based on the hit musical of the same name. This Tony Award-winning show has been going strong since 1981. Musical theater buffs adore the characters and know the lyrics to all the iconic songs. But will the story translate effectively to the silver screen? Time will tell.

Judging from the on-set interviews, the cast members seem to be buying into the creative direction. This is very promising for fans who are rooting for the movie to match or even transcend the stage musical. In theory, if the actors truly believe, then so will the audience.

In the behind-the-scenes footage of rehearsals and filming, the actors appear to trust the artistic vision, hence their passion for the film shines through. But just who is gracing the screen in this feline-focused flick? Some of Hollywood’s brightest stars are singing their hearts out and cutting a mean rug to bring Cats to life.

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Hot off of Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, Idris Elba performs alongside multiplatinum artists Taylor Swift and Jason Derulo. Also, on the roster are comedians Rebel Wilson and James Corden, powerhouse vocalist Jennifer Hudson, and the incomparable Judi Dench. Plus, from Gandalf the Grey to Gus the Theatre Cat, Sir Ian McKellen graces the screen.

This lineup boasts some real Hollywood star power.

The initial images show that the filmmakers match the high level of work and commitment of the cast. From the large-scale sets to the computer-generated images, director Tom Hooper and his crew had their work cut out for them. Sneak a peek at some of the transformative technology, artistic set design, and sharp choreography in the on-set video.

Whether you are a die-hard fan with a calendar alert to buy tickets, or simply undecided, one thing is certain — the process by which some of our favorite A-listers are transformed into dancing, prancing pussycats is amazing.

Cats hits theaters this holiday season. What are your thoughts on the footage you’ve seen so far? Comment and join the discussion!