Introduction
Lasagna-loving Garfield, the world’s most iconic cartoon pet, is back in the limelight. After a long hiatus, the grumpy feline is gearing up for a big-screen comeback in a highly anticipated animated feature. This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the forthcoming “Garfield” movie.
A Storied Legacy
Before diving into the details of the upcoming film, let’s take a moment to appreciate the enduring legacy of Garfield. Created by Jim Davis, the comic strip featuring the lazy, lasagna-loving cat debuted in 1978 and quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, Garfield has graced various television series, holiday specials, merchandise, and even a couple of live-action/CGI feature films.
The Return of Garfield: A Timeline
News of an animated Garfield feature first broke in 2016 when Alcon Entertainment announced it had secured the exclusive rights to develop animated features based on the character. After a few years of relative silence, the project picked up steam in 2021, promising fans a star-studded animated film that brings significant changes to the Garfield universe.
The Release Date
The movie is slated for a theatrical release on February 16, 2024. Coincidentally, the film will debut 20 years after the original Bill Murray “Garfield” film and 18 years after the character’s last big-screen outing.
The Voice Cast
The cast of the movie is nothing short of stellar. Marvel and “Jurassic World” star Chris Pratt will lend his voice to Garfield, marking a year after his performance as another iconic cartoon character, Mario, in the upcoming “Super Mario Bros.” film. Joining the ranks is none other than Samuel L. Jackson, who will voice Garfield’s father, Vic. This will be a first in the history of the Garfield franchise.
Other star-studded members of the voice cast include Ving Rhames (“Mission: Impossible”), Nicholas Hoult (“The Great,” “The Favourite”), Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”), and Cecily Strong (“Saturday Night Live, Schmigadoon!”). The characters they will be playing remain unconfirmed, but they might lend their voices to recurring characters from the comic strip, including Garfield’s owner Jon, best friend Odie, veterinarian Liz, and fellow felines Nermal and Arlene.
The Creative Team
Marking an exciting reunion, “Garfield” is helmed by Mark Dindal, a Disney veteran with credits such as “The Great Mouse Detective,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Aladdin” to his name. As a director, Dindal has delivered critically acclaimed classics like “The Emperor’s New Groove,” “Chicken Little,” and the Warner Bros. animated film “Cats Don’t Dance.”
For “Garfield,” Dindal joins forces once again with “Emperor’s New Groove” screenwriter David Reynolds, who also co-wrote the script for “Finding Nemo” and served as a writer on films like “Mulan,” “Toy Story 2,” “Tarzan,” and “Atlantis: The Lost Empire.”
The Plot
While the exact plot details of the upcoming project are still under wraps, what we do know is that the movie will introduce a significant twist to the Garfield lore. For the first time, fans will get to meet Garfield’s father, Vic, and watch as the father-son duo sets out on a hilarious, high-stakes heist.
Garfield’s life of luxury takes a sharp turn when he encounters Vic, a rough-around-the-edges alley cat claiming to be his father. Thrust into an unexpected adventure, Garfield and his canine companion Odie are whisked away from their comfortable home and into the heart of a hilarious, high-stakes heist.
Story Line:
The film promises a balance of slapstick humor, heartwarming moments, and a dash of action as Garfield navigates his newfound family dynamic, grapples with the unfamiliar world outside, and perhaps even learns the true meaning of lasagna (beyond just its deliciousness).
Streaming Availability
As per Sony’s deal with Netflix in 2021, “Garfield” will eventually be available on the popular streaming service sometime after its theatrical release. Other recent Sony titles that have landed on Netflix include “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and “No Hard Feelings.”
The Trailer
Sony Pictures officially released the first trailer for “The Garfield Movie” on November 13, setting the stage for a fun-filled adventure. The trailer teases a wild outdoor escapade for Garfield and his canine friend, Odie, as they join forces with Vic in a high-stakes heist.
A Look Back at the Bill Murray Garfield Movies
History:
Based on the beloved comic strip created by Jim Davis, “The Garfield Movie” (2024) marks the first fully CGI adaptation of the character. The film is directed by Mark Dindal, known for his work on “The Emperor’s New Groove” and “Chicken Run,” and features a screenplay by Paul A. Kaplan, Mark Torgove, and David Reynolds.
For those eager to revisit the live-action Garfield movies starring Bill Murray, these films are currently available for streaming on Disney+. The first movie, “Garfield: The Movie,” released in 2004, follows Garfield as he embarks on a rescue mission to save Odie, who has been kidnapped. The sequel, “Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties,” sees Garfield jet off to the United Kingdom, where a case of mistaken identity leads him to rule over a British castle.
Conclusion
While critical reception is still forming, “The Garfield Movie” (2024) has the potential to be a fun-filled romp for audiences of all ages, especially fans of the original comics. With a star-studded voice cast, a classic character, and a wacky adventure, this film could be the perfect way to escape into a world of laughs and, of course, plenty of lasagna.
With its star-studded cast, seasoned creative team, and a fresh twist to the Garfield lore, “The Garfield Movie” promises to be an exciting addition to the franchise. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Garfield or a newcomer to the world of this lasagna-loving feline, this film is certainly one to watch out for when it hits theaters in 2024.