- Primary Subject: Why Puss in Boots is nowhere to be found in Shrek 5
- Key Update: Apart from the animation style change, fans couldn't help but notice the absence of one particular cat with sharp claws and signature boots.
- Status: Unconfirmed Appearance
- Last Verified: June 19, 2026
- Quick Answer: Puss in Boots was omitted from the Shrek 5 announcement and trailer because voice actor Antonio Banderas has not been contacted to return.
Shrek 5's animation style is not the only change that the latest installment underwent: the franchise has seemingly omitted one of its longtime pals, Puss in Boots! Here's why the Ginger Hitman is nowhere in plain sight.
Shrek 5 Has One Glaring Absence: Puss in Boots
At first glance, Shrek 5 appears all rainbows and sunshine, marking the official return of the iconic titular ogre and Fiona, along with their three children, Felicia, Fergus, and Farkle. Donkey and his own family of dragons are also back. But one friend from the classic trio is missing: Puss in Boots.
Many fans who have watched Puss in his own spin-offs, specifically in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, were expecting him, of all characters, to be included, considering that his last line literally teased he was "visiting old friends." So where is he now?
Previously, Antonio Banderas confirmed that he was not tied to the film franchise despite the anticipated fifth installment.
"I'm not so far, and I'm not being called for that," Banderas told Parade in anticipation of his new Super Bowl ad, adding he was not tapped to reprise his role for Shrek 5.
The actor voiced Puss in Boots in Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010). He also voiced the titular character in its own movie and its sequel, Puss in Boots (2011) and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022).
“Puss in Boots did very well. Number two got a nomination for the Oscar, and the movie behaved beautifully at the box office,” he continued of the spinoff franchise’s success. “But I am totally satisfied with the five Puss in Boots that I did. I don’t know what is going to happen in the future. Maybe they [will] call me tomorrow.”
Why Puss in Boots Didn't Make the Cut in the Latest Installment
Now, before Puss in Boots fans come for DreamWorks, the Ginger Hitman arguably made hits of his own beyond the swamp and Far, Far Away.
Apart from growing his own spin-off films, the sequel even landed an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. Had Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio not been in the race, fans were positive that the Ginger Hitman would've claimed the spotlight.
Let's not forget that there may still be hope of Puss appearing in his own way, one that potentially hid him from marketing to surprise fans and reel in the nostalgia of reuniting the main characters back together on the big screens. Of course, as of writing, this remains unconfirmed. For now.
In the meantime, fans can expect Shrek 5 to premiere on the big screens on June 30, 2027. Stay tuned!
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