In the life of an entertainer, every so often a role comes along that defines them — and Taylor Swift may have just found hers. According to multiple reports, the pop star has signed on to star in a film adaptation of the iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber Broadway musical Cats. Swift’s Insta-famous felines, Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, must be so proud.
While Swift’s role hasn’t yet been announced, Variety did confirm a few other exciting casting details. Costarring in the film adaptation will be Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen and James Corden. Directing will be Tom Hooper, who famously directed the 2012 film adaptation of Les Miserables.
One of the most successful and arguably best-known musicals (it’s the fourth longest running in history), Cats was inspired by a T.S. Eliot book of poems titled Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The musical follows a special breed of cats known as the Jellicles, who are different from regular cats in that they have a chance to be reborn.
Variety confirms that Hudson is set to play Grizabella, a former “glamour cat” ostracized for her former lady-of-the-night ways. However, she ultimately gets to sing Cats' showstopping song, “Memory.”
The roles of Swift and her other reported costars haven’t yet been revealed. But we’d put our money on McKellen playing Old Deuteronomy, the eldest Jellicles cat and the one responsible for announcing which cat will be reborn.
As for Swift, well, she sounds perfect for playing the part of Jennyanydots. Known as The Old Gumbie Cat, Jennyanydots spends her nights teaching mice to do productive things like crocheting as opposed to destroying homes. Swift has joked about her grandma-like behavior before, and teaching tiny woodland creatures to sing and sew sounds right up her alley.
No matter what role she winds up in, though, it’ll undoubtedly be a dream come true for this self-professed crazy cat lady.