Puss in Boots (Shrek)

Puss in Boots
Shrek character
Puss in Boots as he is introduced in Shrek 2
First appearance	Shrek 2 (2004)
Last appearance	Puss in Boots: The Trident (2023)
Adapted by	Andrew Adamson
Voiced by	Antonio Banderas (2004–present) André Sogliuzzo (2004–2014, video games and DreamWorksTV) Eric Bauza (2015–2018, 2023–present) Frank Welker (meowing sound effects, uncredited)
Inspired by	Puss in Boots by Giovanni Francesco Straparola     Giambattista Basile     Charles Perrault James Bond by Ian Fleming Indiana Jones by George Lucas The Mask of Zorro by Martin Campbell     Antonio Banderas
In-universe information
Aliases	Diablo Gato The Furry Lover Chupacabra Frisky Two Times The Ginger Hit Man The Stabby Tabby El Macho Gato The Leche Whisperer Pickles
Species	Tabby cat
Gender	Male
Weapon	Rapier
Family	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), soon becoming Shrek's partner and helper (alongside Donkey). In the film Shrek the Third (2007), Puss helps Shrek find the heir to the throne of the Far Far Away Kingdom. The film 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. He is portrayed as 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 provides Puss's voice in The Adventures of Puss in Boots.

The character 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.