Actor Reflects on Dream Role for Childhood Favourite

Hollywood actor Chris Pratt, known for his role in Guardians of the Galaxy, described his casting as the voice of the famous comic character Garfield as “surreal.” Having grown up as a fan of the Garfield comic strips, Pratt expressed his excitement about bringing the Monday-hating, lasagne-loving cat to life in the upcoming animated film.

At the film’s premiere in Hollywood, Pratt, along with co-stars Samuel L. Jackson and Hannah Waddingham, shared his thoughts on being approached for the role by director Mark Dindal. Pratt recalled reading Garfield in his childhood in Alaska, and how the comic was often paired with movie listings in his local paper. “I think before I could even read, I just looked at the pictures,” said Pratt.

Dindal explained that he had imagined Pratt’s voice for Garfield for years, before finally reaching out to him for the role. Pratt was humbled by the offer, admitting he didn’t know what Dindal saw in him but was eager to bring his own “spirit” to the character.

The film, The Garfield Movie, will feature Pratt alongside Waddingham, who voices a new villainous character, Jinx. Waddingham, known for her role in Ted Lasso, spoke about the fun of reuniting with her co-star Brett Goldstein, who plays Jinx’s canine sidekick.

Creator Jim Davis, who founded the Garfield comic in 1978, also attended the premiere and reflected on his pride in how the character continues to make people laugh. The premiere saw Pratt, Waddingham, and Davis join Garfield for a memorable paw print ceremony outside the TCL Chinese Theatre.

The Garfield Movie is set to hit cinemas in the UK on May 24, 2024.