He's best known for his role as bloodthirsty president Frank Underwood, but Kevin Spacey's latest character is a little more – well, it's an unusual choice.

The Golden Globe-winning actor will play a cat called Mr Fuzzy Pants in new movie Nine Lives, also starring Jennifer Garner and Christopher Walken.

Spacey stars as a billionaire New York executive who is turned into the family cat by Walken as punishment for working too hard and ignoring his family.

The trailer for the film, out in US cinemas August 5, features lots of typical animal movie CGI and cheap gags such as Spacey being shocked by his own reflection in the trash can.

It is unknown why Walken possesses the ability to turn people into cats but we can be pretty sure of the fact Nine Lives will end with Spacey reconciling with his family.

Barry Sonnenfeld, best known for When Harry Met Sally and Men In Black, has written the project.

Spacey will return to his more acclaimed role of Frank Underwood when season four of Netflix hit House of Cards premieres on March 4.