The Spanish actor also discusses how his decision to give the character a deeper voice increased the comedic value of the picture, and how he is thrilled to be nominated for an Oscar but doesn’t take himself too seriously.
Nearly two decades have passed since Antonio Banderas was first introduced to film audiences as Puss in Boots.
The lethal yet adorable cartoon cat debuted in 2004’s Shrek 2 and starred in his spin-off feature in 2011.
Now, a sequel titled Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is in theatres. And it deals with issues that are uncommon in children’s films.
The novel explores mortality, death, and why we should value what we have as the protagonist discovers he has just one of his nine lives remaining.
Banderas told that the film’s topics were particularly topical when he first became aware of them.
“I was astonished to discover that, in a very unusual way, the movie had more to do with me than I had anticipated.
“The fact that I suffered a heart attack in 2017 changed the way I view life,” he added.
“Oh my god,” I said after reading the screenplay.
Given our audience of international children, I think it was executed with wonderful intelligence and care.
But it’s true that throughout the COVID era, children all over the world had many questions due to their confinement, lack of friends, and absence of schools, as well as the fact that everyone was at home and what was going outside.
Amazingly, movies geared at children reflect on the beauty of life and how much we should praise it. I felt the film was beautiful and very thoughtfully crafted.
The Spanish actor, whose daughter is an adult, believes youngsters are more observant and resilient than people think.
Banderas stated, “We should not underestimate children because they are really intelligent and receive far more than we believe they do.”
“And they cannot structure that without our assistance… And it can have a lasting impact on their life.
“As a father, I am aware that young children observe everything… Therefore, I believe we may freely discuss these problems with kids, knowing that if we do so with care, it will have a positive effect on them.”
“Deeper and smoother”
Banderas stated that when he was approached about the role 20 years ago, he was instructed to make his voice “thinner” to match the small animal’s physique.
He told him to go deeper and suaver, giving Puss his voice.
“The contrast is what makes the comedy work,” Banderas said.
“I recall the reception we received at the Cannes Film Festival… All of the world’s intelligentsia – from Korea, Russia, and everywhere else – were laughing”.
It was an unbelievable experience to witness the strength of comedy and the strength of this little animated figure that we all created since it is a creation. I’m proud because I helped create it, not simply because I contributed the voice.”
While only released in the UK, the film has grossed over £300 million in the US and other markets.
Puss challenges Pinocchio
In the category of animated feature films, it has been nominated for both the Bafta and the Oscar.
Banderas was ecstatic to learn that he had been nominated for an Academy Award.
“We have a lot of competition this year, including Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, so it will be a close race, but I guess we have a chance”.
The fact that the first one was also nominated is an honor in and of itself.
I admire awards, but I don’t take them too seriously.
In addition to the affection of critics and audiences. It is evident that Banderas is fond of the small cat with a large personality.
He acknowledges that while he enjoys the position, it is likely not his most tough.
“I’m sometimes embarrassed to admit that it was pretty straightforward!” laughed.
“You can go to the studio with no makeup, simply by going there, and then you can improvise and attempt whatever notion that comes to mind. It is somewhat cool.”
