Puss in Boots: The Last Wish | Title Explanation

In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, we will discuss the meaning behind the movie’s title. 

Cast:

• Puss in Boots – Antonio Banderas
• Kitty Softpaws – Salma Hayek Pinault
• Perrito – Harvey Guillén
• Wolf/Death – Wagner Moura
• Goldilocks – Florence Pugh
• Baby Bear – Samson Kayo
• Papa Bear – Ray Winstone
• Mama Bear – Olivia Colman
• Big Jack Horner – John Mulaney
• Ethical Bug – Kevin McCann
• Mama Luna – Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Why is the movie called Puss in Boots: The Last Wish?

Narratively, “The Last Wish” refers to the pursuit of the remaining wishing star. So there’s a very literal final wish on the table. Thematically, the idea of a final wish has a few layers. 

First, there’s Puss’s struggle with mortality. The character of the Wolf gives this fear a physical form, but it’s also present in a more existential way, like when Puss has a panic attack because he’s in battle and fears death. Framed this way, the idea of the last wish would be something you wish for before your demise. Like a final meal. Or a last request. 

As bleak as that is, there’s a positive outlook. As much as characters wish for something more, almost all of them realize they already have everything they want. Puss is still alive. Kitty has someone to trust. Perrito has friends. Goldilocks has a family, even if it’s a bunch of bears. Jack Horner wants all the magic in the world and none for anyone else. But he already had what’s probably the greatest collection of magical items. Did he really need more?

So there’s an idea of wishes being excessive and characters realizing they don’t need to wish for anything. Appreciate what you have, as long as you have it. Do that, and good things will follow. You may not end up with everything you ever dreamed of, but you’ll probably have more than enough. 

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