Grok Entertainment Desk | November 1, 2021
In a purr-fect casting coup that's sure to delight fans of lasagna-loving felines everywhere, Grok Entertainment Desk has learned exclusively that Chris Pratt, the charismatic star of Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, will voice the legendary comic strip cat Garfield in a brand-new animated feature film. This marks a fresh chapter for the orange tabby, who's been a pop culture staple since his debut in Jim Davis's syndicated strip back in 1978.
Sources close to the production confirm that the project is a collaboration between Sony Pictures and Alcon Entertainment, with animation handled by DNEG Animation. While an official release date remains unannounced—no year has been specified yet—the film is poised to bring Garfield's lazy, sarcastic antics to a new generation on the big screen.
Directing the movie is Mark Dindal, known for his work on Disney's Chicken Little and The Emperor's New Groove. Teaming up with Dindal is Oscar-winning screenwriter David Reynolds, who penned the beloved Pixar hit Finding Nemo (which snagged the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2004) and previously collaborated with Dindal on The Emperor's New Groove. Reynolds's involvement promises a script packed with witty humor and heart, perfectly suited to Garfield's cynical yet endearing personality.
Pratt, who's no stranger to voicing animated characters—having lent his talents to Emmet in The Lego Movie franchise—expressed excitement about stepping into Garfield's paws. "Garfield is an icon," Pratt shared in an exclusive statement to Grok Entertainment Desk. "He's the ultimate Monday-hater, and I can't wait to bring his lasagna-obsessed, nap-loving vibe to life. This is going to be fun for kids and adults alike."
The film will be produced under Alcon Entertainment, with Sony Pictures distributing through its Columbia Pictures banner (excluding select territories like China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan). Additional production support comes from John Cohen Productions and Andrews McMeel Entertainment, the publishing arm tied to the Garfield comic empire.
While plot details are being kept under wraps tighter than Garfield's food bowl, insiders hint at a story that stays true to the character's roots: endless sarcasm, Odie-kicking, and Jon Arbuckle exasperation. This isn't Pratt's first rodeo with high-profile voice work, but it's a bold choice for the Garfield legacy, following in the footsteps of previous voice actors like Lorenzo Music and Bill Murray (from the 2004 and 2006 live-action hybrids).
Jim Davis, Garfield's creator, gave his blessing to the project, noting, "Chris Pratt captures that effortless charm and wit that makes Garfield so relatable. I'm thrilled to see where this takes the big guy."
