TriStar Pictures Secures Film Rights to Trevor Henderson’s “Cartoon Cat”

Sony’s TriStar Pictures has entered a pre-emptive agreement to develop a feature film based on Trevor Henderson’s viral internet creation “Cartoon Cat.” The acquisition was reported in July 2026 and follows an insider’s disclosure that the studio will move quickly to attach a director and begin production.

The Wrap

The Cartoon Cat deal marks the second major studio contract for Henderson within weeks. Earlier in the month, Warner Bros. won a five-studio bidding war for Henderson’s “Siren Head,” assigning Zach Cregger and Brian Duffield as co-writers and Duffield as director. Both creatures have amassed billions of online views, spurred in part by early promotion from YouTuber Markiplier and the broader creator-led horror wave that includes projects like Kane Parsons’ *Backrooms* and Markiplier’s *Iron Lung*.

Deadline Hollywood

TriStar’s development slate lists producers Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, Scott Glassgold, J. Todd Harris, Thomas Pettinelli and Marc Marcum. Nicole Brown and Malcolm Gray of TriStar are identified as the studio executives overseeing the “fast-tracked” effort to bring the menacing feline to the screen. Henderson, represented by Verve, Josh Dove and Marios Rush, previously contributed concept art to Screen Gem’s *Tarot*, underscoring Sony’s ongoing relationship with the creator.

Deadline Hollywood

TriStar’s public relations team did not respond to TheWrap’s request for comment on the acquisition. An industry insider indicated that the studio is “looking to hit the ground running on the filmmaker search to bring Cartoon Cat to life,” but no formal statement has been released.

The Wrap

• “EXCLUSIVE: After Siren Head sold to Warner Bros in a massive bidding war, another viral internet sensation from Trevor Henderson has found a home.” — Deadline

Deadline Hollywood

• “It’s the second major deal for Henderson this month as his “Siren Head” landed at Warner Bros.” — TheWrap

The Wrap

• “The menacing cat is described as an ancient hollow rot that uses the collective human awareness and memories of old cartoons as a passageway to manifest into our reality – and wreak violent havoc.” — Deadline

The Wrap

• “TriStar is said to be looking to hit the ground running on the filmmaker search to bring Cartoon Cat to life.” — Deadline

Deadline Hollywood