Chris Pratt is set to reprise his role as the voice of Garfield in an upcoming sequel to the 2024 hit, The Garfield Movie. The film, which grossed over $260 million worldwide, will see Pratt not only return as the lasagna-loving tabby but also step into the role of producer. This exciting news was confirmed by Alcon Entertainment’s co-founders and co-CEOs, Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson.
In addition to Pratt’s involvement, John Cohen and Steven P. Wegner will also serve as producers alongside Alcon’s executives. The sequel will be co-produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios, with DNEG Animation returning as the animation partner following their successful collaboration on the first film.
Production and Creative Team
While no further casting details have been announced, reports indicate that producers are currently in discussions with potential writers and directors. The collaboration between Alcon Entertainment and Prime Focus Studios marks a significant partnership in the animation industry, promising to bring Garfield’s antics to life once more.
Garfield, the iconic comic strip character created by cartoonist Jim Davis in 1978, has been a beloved figure across generations. Originally appearing in 41 newspapers, the comic strip now boasts an estimated readership of 260 million across 2,580 newspapers, holding the record as the most widely syndicated comic strip in the world.
Garfield’s Cinematic Journey
The lazy, mischievous cat first made his big-screen debut in the 2004 live-action/animated film Garfield, followed by a sequel, Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties, in 2006. The character’s enduring popularity has paved the way for this new sequel, promising to capture the hearts of both new and longtime fans.
Meanwhile, Chris Pratt, known for his roles in blockbuster franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, continues to captivate audiences with his versatile performances. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Pratt shared insights into his approach to characters in “big commercial” films, noting that he often plays a “Sliding Doors version” of the same character.
Chris Pratt’s Character Insights
Pratt explained, “I kind of like to think, hopefully, that’s like every character I ever play though, in this tone, something that’s like a big, family-friendly, raucous, adventure, sci-fi film.” He referenced the 1998 movie Sliding Doors, in which Gwyneth Paltrow’s character experiences parallel storylines, to describe how his characters often have similar journeys.
“[They both] have a journey; they find something bigger than themselves to want to fight for and are willing to sacrifice themselves for,” Pratt elaborated, drawing parallels between his characters Peter Quill and John D. Keats.
As fans eagerly await the next chapter in Garfield’s cinematic saga, the combination of Pratt’s charismatic voice work and the creative team’s expertise promises a delightful continuation of the beloved series. With production details unfolding, audiences can anticipate a fresh adventure with the iconic orange feline.
