5/29/2004

in

Antonio Banderas is happy to play the part of Puss-in-Boots.

Heather Monley

It's become common practice to have big name stars provide the voices of animated characters, but what do these actors and actresses really think about taking on the parts cartoon animals? Antonio Banderas, voice of Puss-in-Boots, a kitty with attitude in Shrek 2, was all for it. Before he even read the script or knew what part he was being offered, Banderas agreed to be in the movie because he had loved the first Shrek film.  
  
"The word that defines Shrek for me is wit, and I think that's what movies are all about," the 43-year-old Spanish actor told reporters in Los Angeles.  
  
Puss-in-Boots, with all his sword-fighting pizazz, is clearly a takeoff on Banderas' role in The Mask of Zorro.  
  
Even Zorro might think fairy tale characters have it rough. After coughing up so many hairballs as Puss-in-Boots, Banderas damaged his voice for the Broadway musical Nine.