The iconic orange cat who hates Mondays and loves lasagna is returning to the big screen! Garfield, one of the most beloved comic strip characters of all time, is making his way back into theaters in a new animated feature. Fans of the sardonic feline have long awaited a fresh cinematic take on the character, and it looks like their patience is about to be rewarded.
With its official announcement, the new Garfield movie has already garnered significant buzz. Featuring a stellar cast and high-quality animation, this movie aims to breathe new life into the classic character while staying true to the humor and charm that made Garfield a household name. If you’re wondering when the movie comes out, who’s involved, and what the story will be about, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the upcoming Garfield movie — from its release date to its cast, production, and what fans can expect.
Garfield Movie Release Date
The new Garfield movie is set to hit theaters on May 24, 2024. This release date was officially confirmed by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Alcon Entertainment, the studios behind the project. Fans can mark their calendars for a summer movie experience filled with laughs, nostalgia, and plenty of lasagna.
The timing of the release is strategic, with May being one of the most anticipated months for major movie releases. The film will likely draw families, longtime Garfield fans, and animation enthusiasts to theaters during the summer movie season.
Who Is Voicing Garfield?
One of the most exciting pieces of news about the new Garfield movie is its star-studded voice cast. Academy Award-winning actor Chris Pratt has been cast as the voice of Garfield. Known for his charismatic performances in Guardians of the Galaxy, The Lego Movie, and Super Mario Bros. Movie, Pratt is expected to bring his own unique charm to the iconic orange tabby cat.
Casting Pratt as Garfield is a bold choice, as fans have mixed opinions about his voice fitting the famously sarcastic and lazy feline. However, considering his success in voice acting for other animated films, there’s hope that he’ll do justice to the character.
Joining Pratt is Samuel L. Jackson, who will voice a brand-new character named Vic, Garfield’s father. The introduction of Garfield’s father adds an interesting twist to the story, as this is a side of Garfield’s life rarely explored in previous adaptations. Samuel L. Jackson’s signature style and commanding voice are bound to bring something fresh and exciting to the film.
The Plot: What Will the New Garfield Movie Be About?
While the full details of the plot have not been revealed, the movie is expected to explore Garfield’s origins, his relationship with his father Vic, and his antics as the laziest, sassiest cat around.
In the original Garfield comic strip by Jim Davis, Garfield’s humor revolves around his disdain for Mondays, his love of food (especially lasagna), and his constant tormenting of his owner, Jon Arbuckle, and Jon’s lovable dog, Odie. The movie is expected to retain these core elements while also introducing new adventures and a deeper emotional arc involving Garfield and his family.
The introduction of Garfield’s father, Vic, suggests that the film might dive into Garfield’s backstory in a way that hasn’t been explored in comics, TV shows, or previous movies. Fans can likely expect a mix of hilarious mischief and heartwarming moments.
The Cast and Crew
In addition to Chris Pratt as Garfield and Samuel L. Jackson as Vic, the voice cast features talented actors who will help bring the world of Garfield to life. As of now, the details about other key cast members remain under wraps, but more announcements are expected as the release date approaches.
On the production side, the film is directed by Mark Dindal, best known for his work on animated hits like The Emperor’s New Groove and Chicken Little. Dindal’s experience in creating family-friendly, comedic films makes him an excellent choice to helm this project.
The script is written by David Reynolds, who previously worked on Pixar’s Finding Nemo. With a team like this, the film is in capable hands and promises to deliver both laughs and heartfelt moments.
The animation is being handled by DNEG Animation, a studio renowned for its stunning work in animated and visual effects-driven films. The studio’s involvement suggests that the new Garfield movie will boast high-quality visuals, bringing the iconic character to life like never before.
How Will the New Garfield Movie Differ from Previous Adaptations?
The upcoming Garfield movie is not the first time the iconic character has appeared on the big screen. There have been several Garfield adaptations over the years, including the live-action/CGI hybrid films from the early 2000s: Garfield: The Movie (2004) and Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties (2006). In these films, Garfield was voiced by Bill Murray, whose dry humor and comedic timing were widely praised.
However, those movies received mixed reviews, with criticism largely aimed at their simplistic plots and over-reliance on CGI. The new Garfield movie, by contrast, will be a fully animated film, which allows the character to exist in a more natural and visually appealing format.
Additionally, the introduction of Garfield’s father, Vic, and a focus on his backstory could offer a fresh perspective on the character. By blending nostalgia with a modern sensibility, the new movie aims to appeal to both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.
Why Garfield Is Still Relevant Today
Since his debut in 1978, Garfield has remained one of the most recognizable and enduring characters in pop culture. Created by cartoonist Jim Davis, the Garfield comic strip quickly gained popularity for its relatable humor, timeless wit, and lovable characters. Over the decades, Garfield has become a global phenomenon, appearing in comic strips, TV shows, movies, merchandise, and even video games.
The character’s enduring appeal lies in his simplicity. Garfield’s laziness, sarcasm, and love of food resonate with audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a child laughing at his antics or an adult appreciating his wit, Garfield’s humor transcends generations.
In a world where animated films are increasingly dominated by franchises and action-packed adventures, a movie centered on Garfield provides a refreshing dose of humor and heart. By staying true to the character’s roots while updating him for a modern audience, the new Garfield movie has the potential to reignite interest in the iconic cat.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans of Garfield are buzzing with excitement (and some skepticism) about the new movie. While many are thrilled to see the character return to the big screen, others are cautiously optimistic about Chris Pratt voicing Garfield. Social media discussions often revolve around whether Pratt can capture Garfield’s signature sarcasm and laid-back attitude.
The addition of Samuel L. Jackson as Vic has been met with curiosity, as it opens up new storytelling possibilities. Longtime fans are eager to see how the father-son dynamic will play out and whether it will add depth to Garfield’s character.
The fully animated format has also been widely praised, as fans believe it will allow the film to stay truer to the spirit of the original comics.
Merchandise and Tie-Ins
As with any major animated release, the new Garfield movie is expected to come with a range of merchandise and tie-ins. From toys and clothing to collectible items and themed food products, fans can look forward to a wave of Garfield-related products hitting the market.
Additionally, the movie’s release might inspire a resurgence of interest in Garfield’s classic comic strips and TV series, further cementing his place in pop culture.
Conclusion
The new Garfield movie is shaping up to be one of the most exciting animated releases of 2024. With its talented cast, experienced creative team, and fresh take on the iconic character, the film has the potential to become a hit among audiences of all ages.
Set to release on May 24, 2024, the movie will reintroduce Garfield to a new generation while giving longtime fans something to look forward to. Whether you’re a die-hard Garfield enthusiast or simply looking for a fun family film, this movie promises to deliver laughs, nostalgia, and a lot of lasagna.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to spend some quality time with everyone’s favorite orange cat. The countdown to Garfield’s triumphant return to the big screen has officially begun!
