Content overview: “Judi Dench Calls ‘Cats’ a ‘Waste of Goodwill & Talent’ in New Memoir”. Judi Dench still cringes over the 2019 film adaptation of Cats. In her new memoir, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, the Oscar-winning actress describes the project as a “waste of goodwill and talent.” Directed by Tom Hooper and based on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical, the movie was panned by critics and became a notorious box office flop. Dench played Old Deuteronomy, but the film’s troubled production and bizarre visual effects overshadowed the cast’s efforts.
Seven years later, she admits she “can’t bear it,” highlighting how even legendary performers can be caught in a high-profile misfire. Her candid remarks offer a rare glimpse into the disappointment behind one of Hollywood’s most infamous failures. The memoir promises more reflections on her storied career and the lessons learned from taking risks—even when they don’t pay off. This listing links straight to the original page, where the content is available in full.