Puss in Boots returns to the cinema on December 7 for a new high-energy adventure, accompanied by his accomplice Kitty Pattes de Velours. Meeting with the actress Salma Hayek who lends her voice to this outstanding sidekick in VO!
The legendary feline of the Shrek universe is back on the big screen in Puss in Boots 2: The Last Quest, from December 7 at the cinema. In this sequel directed by Joel Crawford, he discovers that he unfortunately only has one of his nine lives left… He will therefore go in search of the mythical wishing star in the hope of being able to change the course of things !
More than ten years after Puss in Boots, Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek are once again dubbing the famous cat and his accomplice Kitty Pattes de Velours in the original version. On this occasion, the actress who recently appeared in House of Gucci and The Eternals answered our questions.
AlloCiné: What was it like once again lending your voice to the character of Kitty Paws of Velvet after so many years?
Salma Hayek: It was so much fun. It was a real surprise and I was delighted to be able to overtake [Kitty Pattes de Velours] again. I love his personality, and comedy in general. Joel [Crawford], the director of the film, is extremely generous. He let me improvise, find some jokes and try different things… We laughed a lot together, so it was great. I didn’t have to do my hair and makeup, or do my own stunts and injure myself, or even have to put ice on my sore muscles, but I still felt very free. I loved it !
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AlloCiné: Did you notice any differences between this film and the first released in 2011?
Salma Hayek: A rather reassuring thing is that Kitty Pattes de Velours doesn’t age, that’s very good. Of course, the story is entirely different, and I’m still Puss in Boots’ accomplice, but this time we have a third sidekick: Perro joins our little family. I think it changes the dynamic from the first movie, and I hope it’s even funnier!
AlloCiné: Precisely, who is your new favorite character in this film? Because there is Perro that everyone will love. What do you think ?
Salma Hayek: I know Antonio [Banderas] for a long time. He would be extremely offended if I chose another favorite character than him! He would be very hurt, so I can’t say that Perro is my favorite character because I don’t want to have a problem with Puss in Boots. But I love Perro, and the ‘perros’ [NDLR : ‘chiens’ en espagnol] are my favorite animals. Although I have a cat, and I also love cats. Antonio, please calm down!
In Puss in Boots 2: The Last Quest, there are many new characters voiced by exceptional actors. My wish is that the public will be both nostalgic to find the heroes of the first film, but also excited to meet these new protagonists.
2022 DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.
AlloCiné: An important subject in this film is mental health and how Puss in Boots is overwhelmed by anxiety and the fear of dying. Do you think it’s important to address this theme in a film for a young audience?
Salma Hayek: Yes, today more than ever, many children are suffering from anxiety at an increasingly young age. It’s important that they don’t feel alone, that they know it’s normal and that they can overcome it. This film is also about finding your own family, supporting each other, working together, regaining confidence. It reminds us that the things we sometimes worry a lot about are not necessarily the most important things in life.
Discover Puss in Boots 2: The Last Quest from December 7 at the cinema.
Words by Salma Hayek collected by Solène Boutillier on November 3, 2022.