In May 2016, it was announced that Tom Hooper would direct a film adaptation of the musical for Universal Pictures and Working Title Films with Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Debra Hayward and Hooper serving as producers.

On July 19, 2018, Jennifer Hudson was cast in the role of Grizabella. The following day, it was announced that James Corden, Taylor and Ian McKellen will join the film adaptation. Filming commenced at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden in England from November 12, 2018 and wrapped on February 1, 2019.

In September 2018, the musical’s writer, the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, gave Vulture a better idea of who Taylor will play in her buzzed-about trip to the big screen. “She’s going to play one or the other of the ‘Macavity’ girls,” he said, though he’s “not sure yet” of which one. “Macavity the Mystery Cat” is one of the most sensual songs of the musical and certainly lives in Taylor’s vocal range. “Well, basically, [director] Tom Hooper thought it was a really good idea, and of course, she loves cats,” Lloyd Webber, 70, said. “We’ll see. I mean, I haven’t met her, so I’m looking forward to meeting her and seeing her [at work].”