Puss in Boots | |
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Shrek character | |
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First appearance | Shrek 2 (2004) |
Adapted by | Andrew Adamson |
Voiced by |
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Inspired by | |
In-universe information | |
Aliases |
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Species | Tabby cat |
Gender | Male |
Weapon | Rapier |
Family | Unknown biological parents Imelda (adoptive mother) Humpty Dumpty (adoptive brother) |
Significant others | Kitty Softpaws (in the Puss in Boots films) Dulcinea (in The Adventures of Puss in Boots) |
Origin | San Ricardo |
Nationality | Spanish |
Puss in Boots (or simply Puss) is a main character in the Shrek franchise. He made his first appearance in the film Shrek 2 (2004). He is also the title character and protagonist in the 2011 spin-off film Puss in Boots (in which his origins are described) and its 2022 sequel, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (set sometime after Shrek Forever After). Puss also appears in the Netflix television series centered on him, The Adventures of Puss in Boots (2015–2018).
Puss was loosely based on the title character of the fairy tale "Puss in Boots". His design, created by Tom Hester, was based on real cats. Several characters were used as inspirations for Puss's characterization, such as Zorro, James Bond, and Indiana Jones. The idea of Puss as the protagonist of a film was explored after his debut appearance. Antonio Banderas voices Puss in the English, Spanish, and Italian dubs of the Shrek franchise. While he initially tried a high-pitched voice for the character, he and the Shrek 2 filmmakers decided on a tone that was deeper than his normal voice. Banderas said that voicing Puss was an important part of his career.
Eric Bauza is the voice of Puss in Boots in TV series spin-off, The Adventures of Puss in Boots set in San Lorenzo. Bauza makes Puss sound just as Banderas did.
The DreamWorks character of Puss in Boots has received generally positive reviews, with critics praising his depiction and considering him a source of comic relief. Reviewers have regarded Puss as a popular Shrek character. Banderas's voice acting has also been praised. Merchandise inspired by the character has been produced.