Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas)

Lore & Background

Puss in Boots is based on the character introduced in Shrek 2 (2004) and inspired by the fairy tale. In Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, set after the events of Shrek Forever After (2010), Puss is accidentally crushed by a church bell after subduing a giant during a party in Del Mar. A town doctor advises him to retire because he has already lost eight of his nine lives. Puss initially refuses but relents when he is wounded and disarmed while dueling a wolf bounty hunter at the local pub.

Traumatized, he moves into elderly cat lady Mama Luna's home to live as a house cat. Months later, he meets an optimistic chihuahua disguised as a cat, whom he calls Perrito. After crime family Goldilocks and the Three Bears leave Mama Luna's home, Puss decides to find the Wishing Star to wish for another nine lives. He later discovers the wolf is Death, who intends to take his final life personally because Puss failed to value any of his lives.

Puss ultimately learns the value of a single life, forgoes wishing for more lives, and accepts Death's challenge. After disarming Death temporarily, Death spares him, and Puss reconciles with Kitty Softpaws and adopts Perrito.

Reader's Guide

Puss in Boots is defined by his theatrical confidence and hidden vulnerability. While he often acts as the flamboyant leader who relies on charm and trickery to solve problems, his true strength lies in his capacity for deep emotion and redemption. He struggles with the fear of death, a trait that makes him relatable despite his superhuman skills. In the films, he serves as both a comedic relief and an emotional anchor.

His relationships are central to his growth; his dynamic with Shrek is built on mutual respect, while his bond with Kitty Softpaws challenges him to be honest about his past. The character's journey in The Last Wish specifically focuses on overcoming the trauma of losing his lives. Antonio Banderas provides the iconic voice for Puss across all major productions, capturing the character's Spanish accent and dramatic flair perfectly. While other languages have their own talented dubbing actors, Banderas remains the definitive voice that fans associate with the character globally.

Did You Know?

• Puss in Boots: The Last Wish premiered at Lincoln Center in New York City on November 25, 2022.
• The film grossed $484 million on a production budget of $90–110 million.
• Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek reprise their roles as Puss in Boots and Kitty Softpaws.