Puss in Boots (Shrek)

**Puss in Boots** is a main character in the _Shrek_ franchise, also being portrayed as the title character and protagonist of the movie _Puss in Boots_ (2011). He made his first appearance in the movie _Shrek 2_ (2004), soon becoming Shrek's partner and helper (alongside Donkey). In the movie _Shrek the Third_ (2007), Puss helps Shrek find the heir to the throne of the Far Far Away Kingdom. The movie _Shrek Forever After_ (2010) is primarily set in an alternate universe, where Puss is Princess Fiona's pet and has gained weight after his retirement. In the spin-off and prequel _Puss in Boots_, his origins are described. Puss also appears in the Netflix television series centered on him, _The Adventures of Puss in Boots_ (2015–2018).

Puss was inspired by 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 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 provides Puss's voice in _The Adventures of Puss in Boots_.

The character is well liked, 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.

### Concept and creation

Puss in Boots is inspired by the title character of the fairy tale with the same name.

### Voice

Antonio Banderas voiced Puss in the _Shrek_ franchise. Banderas said that his initial motivation to voice Puss was that he enjoyed the movie _Shrek_ (2001). According to the actor, he was chosen for the role of Puss because of his Spanish accent.

### Critical response

Critical reception of Puss has been well liked, with reviewers praising him in the movies and describing him as "cute", "suave", "lovable", "charismatic", "feisty", "engaging", "legendary", "an instant charmer", "a natural-born star", "a notorious adventurer", the "suavest of swashbuckling cats", and "the world's greatest feline swordfighter". He was also regarded as "smooth-talking", "heroic", "honorable", self-confident, "passionate", loyal, with "humble" origins. _Collider_s Christina Radish described Puss as "charming and unforgettable", adding that he "was a cat destined for great things". Radish said that Puss getting his own movie was no surprise, commenting that the character has a "tremendous heart", and is a "much-loved fighter". _Fantasy Magazine_s Andrew Penn Romine called Puss "equal parts rogue and hero", but Stephen Holden of _The New York Times_ described the character as "this vain, spoiled, swashbuckler". According to Holden, Puss is not "as clear-cut a personality [in _Puss in Boots_] as he was" in the _Shrek_ movies. _IndieLondon_s Rob Carnevale called him a "cheeky feline swashbuckler" and _Puss in Boots_s "enigmatic central character". Todd McCarthy of _The Hollywood Reporter_ described Puss as a "dashing little kitty centerstage", "ever-bold", and "a self-deprecating, sometimes bumbling but ultimately dashing swordsman". McCarthy enjoyed Puss's "vigorous physicality" in _Puss in Boots_. Neil Genzlinger of _The New York Times_ called Puss "endearing", "dashing and fearless but also a tad reckless". Chrissy Iley of _The Telegraph_ described him as "the world's most seductive animated cat". _IGN_s Andy Patrizio enjoyed Puss in _Shrek 2_, and Scott Collura of the same website said that Puss "remains dignified and cool" in _Shrek Forever After_ despite his weight gain. The character has been regarded as a source of comic relief.