Unveiling the Talented Actor Behind Jack Horner in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish!
The villain's voice in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is instantly recognizable, thanks to the incredible talent of one of the biggest names in comedy
The release of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in 2023 exceeded expectations, garnering a significant amount of praise from film enthusiasts. Dreamworks, known for their hit-or-miss movies, pleasantly surprised viewers with this sequel to the Shrek spin-off, proving its worth. The Last Wish captivated audiences with its stunning animation and touching narrative, adhering to the colorful cast of characters tradition found in the Shrek universe. These characters primarily originate from well-known fairytales.
Among these characters is the formidable antagonist, Jack Horner, voiced by a prominent actor. It is common for viewers to watch animated movies without prior knowledge of the cast, leading to moments of speculation about familiar voices. However, for many in the audience, the voice behind Jack Horner was instantly recognizable due to the media attention surrounding the actor in recent years. So, who exactly lends their voice to the villain in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish?
What is Puss in Boots: The Last Wish about?
Who Is Jack Horner In Puss in Boots: The Last Wish?
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, as suggested by its title, follows the adventures of Puss in Boots (voiced by Antonio Banderas), the daring feline outlaw who was first introduced in Shrek 2. After receiving his own spin-off universe through two movies, "Puss in Boots" (2011) and "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish," he embarks on a new quest. In this sequel film, Puss comes to realize that his insatiable love for adventure has resulted in him using up eight of his nine lives. Determined to regain his lost lives, he embarks on a perilous journey in search of the legendary Last Wish, even risking being pursued by Death itself. Along the way, however, he encounters individuals who teach him invaluable lessons about the preciousness of life and the importance of not taking it for granted.
In the movie, Jack Horner serves as a major obstacle for Puss and plays the role of the main villain. He takes inspiration from the popular nursery rhyme character "Little Jack Horner" who is known for sticking his thumb in a pie, extracting a plum, and proclaiming, "What a good boy am I!". However, in The Last Wish, Jack Horner is not a young boy but rather a pastry salesman and crime boss. His ultimate aim is to obtain the Wishing Star that Puss is also seeking in order to gain control over all magic. Over the years, he has amassed a collection of magical fairytale artifacts, feeling resentful about being referred to as "Little" Jack Horner during his childhood. Jack Horner is a conceited individual who displays both absurdity and a genuinely menacing side.
Who plays Jack Horner in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish?
Jack Horner is portrayed by John Mulaney in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Renowned for his stand-up comedy, Mulaney gained popularity through his Netflix comedy specials like New in Town, The Comeback Kid, and Kid Gorgeous, all of which have spawned numerous memes. He had already established himself in the field of comedy, having written and performed on Saturday Night Live and starring in the sitcom Mulaney, which drew inspiration from his own life. In addition to his on-screen work, Mulaney has also dabbled in voice acting, lending his voice to characters like Andrew Glouberman in Big Mouth and Spider-Ham in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Mulaney's comedic background makes him a perfect fit for the role of Jack Horner, aligning well with the film's tone. He skillfully portrays Horner's petulant and childlike energy, making him come across as a spoiled brat when he doesn't get his way. Despite this, Mulaney never loses the character's menacing edge, consistently reminding the audience why Jack Horner is feared by those around him. With his distinct vocal tone and style, Mulaney's work may be familiar to fans of his previous projects. This recognition could potentially pose a challenge, but Mulaney succeeds in imbuing each character with a sense of uniqueness through his voice acting. Jack Horner, being a villain with a distinctive personality, benefits greatly from Mulaney's distinctive voice, helping to bring the character to life.
