Work On Puss In Boots 2 Is Already Underway, Says Antonio Banderas

Though DreamWorks’ beloved Shrek franchise wrapped up in 2010 with Shrek Forever After, fan favorite character Puss in Boots (voiced by Antonio Banderas) got a new lease on life the next year with his own spinoff, titled Puss In Boots. The film, which found Puss battling evil versions of Jack and Jill, was a critical and commercial success, earning over $554 million and a nomination for Best Animated Feature.

So, it’s not too surprising to learn that Puss In Boots 2 is very real. What does come as a bit of shock, however, is how far along the project already is. According to Collider, who spoke with Banderas last week, the actor started work on the sequel just a few days ago.

“We started the new one four days ago.  It did incredibly well with audiences and critics, all around the world, and the character is going to keep going.  With Jeffrey [Katzenberg], whatever he wants.  He’s one of my favorite producers.  This character was born almost 12 years ago.  We have had a lot of fun with him, and it seems that audiences do, too.  So, we’re doing another one.”

No details yet as to where the heroic feline’s next adventure will take him, but producer Guillermo del Toro tossed some ideas into the mix last year. Also speaking with Collider, del Toro revealed that Puss In Boots helmer Chris Miller would be once again taking the reins, saying:

“We take Puss to a completely different land which is very exotic.  When Chris [Miller], the director, said ‘I don’t want Puss to happen in the same universe as the Shrek movies visually, I want to do a spaghetti western,’ he is, in this case, trying to do an adventure movie so we’re taking him to a very exotic locale.”

Given how long ago del Toro made those statements, there is really no telling whether they are still accurate, but it will certainly be exciting to see the character grace the big screen once again. Considering Banderas is already hard at work on the project, we’ll probably see Puss In Boots 2 hit theaters within the next two or three years.