Having carelessly squandered eight of his nine lives, Puss in Boots is gripped by panic. Circumstances suggest that the swashbuckling adventurer should retire and prepare to face death. Puss retreats to a retirement home, resigned to spending his remaining days wearing a humiliating collar and sharing a litter box with other cats. However, his fate might change with the Wishing Star, hidden deep within a dark forest.
Still from the animated film “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”
The Journey to the Screen
In 2012, Guillermo del Toro, the producer of the first “Puss in Boots” film, announced that work on a sequel was underway. Initially, the film was slated for release in November 2018, but in August 2014, it was pushed back by a month, and in January 2015, it was removed from the schedule altogether. These changes were due to the studio’s policy of releasing two animated films per year. In November 2018, it was announced that Christopher Meledandri (“Minions,” “The Secret Life of Pets”) would serve as executive producer. Bob Persichetti (“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”) was appointed as director, but in 2021, he was replaced by Joel Crawford (“The Croods: A New Age”), who was joined by Januel Mercado. Joel had previously worked on the franchise, creating a storyboard for Puss’s backstory in an alternate world for “Shrek Forever After,” which was ultimately cut from the final version.
Still from the animated film “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”
A New Era of Animation
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” revolutionized the animation genre, with studios actively working on projects that combine 2D effects and computer graphics. While DreamWorks released “The Bad Guys” in a similar style in 2021, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” represents a significant leap forward for the industry. Approximately 400 specialists worked on the sequel, making considerable advancements in animation technology. The creators managed to maintain the energy of the first film while developing the protagonist’s story, sending him on a quest to confront his fears and anxieties.
Still from the animated film “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”
New Friends and Familiar Foes
In the retirement home, the protagonist meets Perrito, a stray dog living under the porch who is seeking shelter. Unlike Puss, Perrito doesn’t dwell on the past or look too far into the future. Perrito has only one life, but his encounter with the hero makes it special. Nine wasted lives can never replace one filled with pleasant memories. Puss and Perrito quickly become friends and embark on an adventure together.
To claim the Wishing Star, Puss must contend with Jack Horner, an avid collector of valuables, including a miniature ship of Lilliputians, the hand of Midas, and unicorn horns. The screenwriters based the antagonist on the popular English nursery rhyme “Little Jack Horner,” which embodies human greed and uncompromising egocentricity. Even as a child, Horner had a mansion and a thriving network of bakeries, but he never learned to share his wealth with others. As is often the case in such tales, the miser’s greed will be his downfall.
Facing Mortality and Embracing Connection
In the finale, Puss enters a cave of lost souls, where he encounters his past selves. The hero learns that death has always been close to him. His desire to be a legend has led him to loneliness. His megalomania was so great that there was no room for others in his life. Puss realizes that he shouldn’t run from his feelings, that he needs to stop being selfish and learn to value those close to him. Familiar characters also appear in the frame: the Gingerbread Man and Pinocchio can be seen for a few seconds. The post-credits scene also hints at the heroes’ imminent return: the furry Don Juan intends to meet up with old friends. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” builds a solid foundation for a new “Shrek,” becoming more meaningful and mature than the original.