DreamWorks is reimagining one of its most iconic animated characters with a live-action twist, and they’ve chosen fan-favorite actor Alexander Dreymon to lead the charge. The studio announced that Dreymon will star in the upcoming Puss in Boots live-action adaptation, a bold new take on the swashbuckling feline that charmed audiences in the Shrek universe. This marks DreamWorks’ first foray into adapting their animation classics into live-action, following the trend set by Disney and others.
In this reimagined version, the story will blend fantasy, folklore, and grounded human drama. Dreymon is set to portray Diego Montclaro, a skilled swordsman and rogue who finds himself magically bonded to a talking cat — the legendary Puss in Boots — after a cursed duel in a forgotten Spanish village. The film will explore themes of identity, redemption, and honor as Diego is forced to team up with the cunning feline to undo the curse and confront his past.
DreamWorks has stated that the live-action Puss in Boots will not be a direct remake of the 2011 animated film, but rather a “spiritually connected reimagining” that brings the character into a more mature, fantasy-rich world. The character of Puss will be portrayed via a blend of advanced CGI and practical effects, voiced once again by Antonio Banderas, returning to the role that made him an icon to a new generation.
Director Kari Skogland, best known for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, will helm the film, promising a balance of high-octane swordplay and heartfelt storytelling. In a statement, Skogland shared: “This version of Puss in Boots is about legacy and second chances. Alexander Dreymon brings intensity and vulnerability to Diego, a man haunted by choices who finds hope in the most unlikely of allies — a talking cat.”
Dreymon, celebrated for his role as Uhtred in The Last Kingdom, expressed excitement at stepping into a more fantastical, family-oriented project. “I’ve played warriors and outlaws, but this is something entirely new,” Dreymon said. “The script is sharp, the world is rich, and the idea of sharing the screen with Puss — well, who could say no to that?”
The film is being produced by DreamWorks in collaboration with Universal Pictures and will feature a mix of new and familiar characters from the Shrek universe. Early rumors suggest cameos or references to Donkey and Fiona, though the story will largely stand on its own. The tone is said to be similar to Pirates of the Caribbean meets The Princess Bride, combining action, wit, and emotion.
Special attention is being given to the character design of Puss in Boots. Visual effects supervisor Rob Legato, known for The Jungle Book and The Lion King, is leading the team in bringing a realistic yet expressive version of Puss to life. The goal is to maintain the charm of the original animated character while fitting him believably into a live-action setting.
Joining Dreymon in the cast is Adria Arjona as Isabela, a brave and skeptical healer who becomes entangled in Diego and Puss’s journey. Ben Kingsley is also attached to the project, rumored to play a mysterious figure known as “El Cuervo,” a villainous former Inquisitor hunting the duo for personal revenge.
The film will begin principal photography in late 2025 with a projected release date in summer 2027. Locations include southern Spain and parts of Portugal, lending authenticity to the film’s Iberian setting. DreamWorks has indicated that if successful, this adaptation could pave the way for a broader Shrek universe in live-action format.
Critics and fans alike have reacted with intrigue to the announcement. While some are skeptical about translating the animated charm of Puss to a live-action setting, many are excited to see Dreymon step into a swashbuckling role that blends action and fantasy. The actor’s growing international appeal and intense screen presence may prove to be the perfect fit for the film’s more grounded tone.
Ultimately, DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots live-action adaptation aims to be more than a nostalgic revival. With an emotionally complex lead, high production values, and a script focused on themes of courage and transformation, the studio is aiming for a fairy tale that resonates with modern audiences. If successful, it could be the beginning of a whole new era for the studio’s most beloved characters.
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