Judi Dench: Making Cats was a waste of talent

British actress Judi Dench has published a scathing assessment of her role in the 2019 film adaptation of the musical Cats, describing the project as a waste of talent and goodwill. In excerpts from her upcoming memoir, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, shared with the Guardian, Dench wrote, "Oh God, I can't bear it." She noted that composer Andrew Lloyd Webber had waited a long time for his stage show to reach the big screen, calling the final result "what a waste of good will and talent." Dench, who was 91 at the time of the film's release, played the wise cat Jellia Hop-Hop, also known as Old Deuteronomy. She stated in the book that she felt uncomfortable in the role from the very beginning. Although she admitted she could not pass judgment because she never saw the final cut of the movie, she reflected on why such productions fail. "Sometimes things just don't work," she wrote. "The timing is wrong, the casting doesn't fit together, the elements don't connect. But the intentions of people are mostly honorable." She added that no one intends to deliver a bad performance or make a poor film, noting that actors give their best and hope audiences will join in the celebration. The film, directed by Academy Award winner Tom Hooper, premiered in cinemas on December 25, 2019. Critics panned the production widely. One review described it as a bizarre digital fusion of cat bodies and star faces belting hits. The film received six awards at the Golden Raspberry ceremony, which honors the worst in Hollywood. Technical issues plagued the release, including numerous computer-generated errors. A particularly notorious scene showed Dench’s human hand wearing a wedding ring instead of a feline paw. Dench did not hide her dissatisfaction after the film's debut. Speaking one year after its release, she remarked that the orange fur coat she wore looked as if "five foxes were mating on my back." Despite the negative reception, Dench mentioned some pleasant moments during filming. She recalled meeting singer Taylor Swift on set, who also appeared in the movie. On the last day of shooting, actor Jason Derulo gave her 50 gold-sprayed roses. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, now 78, expressed his own dismay regarding the cinematic version of his work. He told reporters that he was so shocked by the film that he bought a dog. "I saw it and thought, oh God, no," Lloyd Webber said. "That was the first time in my over 70 years on this planet that I went out and bought myself a dog." Director Tom Hooper, known for his work on The King's Speech, has not directed another feature film since Cats. The cast included several high-profile names alongside Dench, including Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, and Ian McKellen. The memoir, written by Dench with the help of fellow actor Brendan O'Hea, offers a candid look behind the scenes of a production that failed to meet expectations despite its star-studded lineup. The release of these comments comes as the book prepares for publication. Dench’s reflections highlight the disconnect between the creative intent of the filmmakers and the final product. While she acknowledged the honorable intentions of those involved, the consensus among critics and even key creators remained negative. The film’s technical flaws and critical reception have cemented its reputation as a major box office disappointment. Lloyd Webber’s reaction underscores the personal investment many artists feel in their works being adapted for new media. His decision to purchase a pet immediately after viewing the film illustrates the depth of his frustration. Meanwhile, Dench’s account provides insight into the challenges faced by actors working within complex visual effects environments. Her discomfort with the character suggests that the difficulties extended beyond technical execution to the fundamental nature of the role itself. The incident serves as a case study in modern filmmaking risks, where ambitious technology and prestigious talent do not guarantee success. The multiple Razzie awards further emphasize how far the film fell short of industry standards. As the memoir gains attention, more details about the production process may emerge, offering further perspective on a project that left lasting impressions on all involved, whether positive or negative. The contrast between the initial hype surrounding the adaptation and its eventual reception remains a focal point for discussions on film adaptation failures.