Chris Pratt recently shared that voicing the iconic lazy, orange cat in The Garfield Movie reminded him of himself in his late 20s and early 30s. During an interview with Reuters, he humorously mentioned that he used to eat a lot and be very lazy during that time, similar to the character of Garfield. The actor added that while he no longer has the same lifestyle, he still feels pampered. Pratt jokingly stated that he had become Garfield as he was surrounded by orange and had been pampered before the interview, planning to eat a big bowl of lasagna afterward.
The upcoming film, distributed by Sony Pictures, is based on the famed 1976 comic strip created by cartoonist Jim Davis. In The Garfield Movie, the audience will follow Garfield, a lethargic and greedy cat, as he is taken away from his pampered life and forced to carry out a heist for his alley cat father, Vic, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. The movie is set to hit US theaters on Friday, bringing the beloved character to life through animation.
Pratt is no stranger to voicing animated characters, as he previously portrayed Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Movie and voiced Barley Lightfoot in Pixar’s Onward. Taking on the role of Garfield was an easy decision for the 44-year-old actor, as director Mark Dindal envisioned Pratt’s voice fitting perfectly for the character. Dindal, known for hits like The Emperor’s New Groove, had been working on the project for years and saw Pratt as the ideal voice for Garfield. Pratt shared that getting approval from Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield, was a significant moment for him, especially when Davis rated him a perfect 10 as the voice of the iconic cat.
Pratt’s connection to Garfield goes beyond just voicing the character in the movie. He explained that the similarities between himself and Garfield in terms of laziness and overeating during a specific season of his life made the role more relatable. The actor’s experience of being pampered and pet before the interview further solidified his connection to the character. With the release of The Garfield Movie approaching, Pratt’s portrayal of the beloved feline is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike.
With the movie opening in theaters soon, Pratt’s portrayal of Garfield is expected to breathe new life into the character for a new generation of audiences. The actor’s comedic timing and vocal talents are sure to bring a fresh and entertaining take on the iconic lazy cat. Pratt’s ability to embody the essence of Garfield in his performance, coupled with the approval from Jim Davis, further cements his success in bringing the beloved character to the big screen. As fans eagerly await the release of The Garfield Movie, Pratt’s portrayal of the titular character is poised to become a standout in his already illustrious career.