You know that feeling when you finish a great movie and just want five more minutes with the characters? That's basically the entire reason Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos exists. It’s a thirteen-minute short film that dropped back in 2012, right after the first standalone Puss in Boots movie hit theaters. Most people missed it because it was tucked away as a bonus feature on the Blu-ray and DVD releases. Honestly? That's a shame. It’s probably some of the funniest writing DreamWorks has ever done for the character, and it introduces three tiny kittens who are—without exaggeration—absolute agents of chaos.
The plot is pretty straightforward but leans heavily into the "Zorro-esque" swashbuckler vibe that Antonio Banderas nails every single time. Puss is hired by Princess Alessandra Bellagamba to recover the "Heart of Fire," a massive ruby that was stolen from her crown. The thief? A guy named the Whisperer. The catch? The only ones who know where he’s hiding are three tiny, wide-eyed kittens currently locked in a dungeon.
Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos Is More Than Just a Cute Distraction
It starts with a classic setup. Puss thinks he’s dealing with innocent, helpless felines. He sees these three kittens—Perla, Gonzalo, and Sir Timoteo—and he does the big-eye thing. You know the one. He expects a shared moment of "cat solidarity." Instead, they try to bury him alive in the desert.
It’s hilarious.
The dynamic works because it subverts the "cute sidekick" trope that dominated animation in the early 2010s. These kittens aren't just cute; they are literal criminals. They were the Whisperer's henchmen. Puss has to transition from a legendary outlaw to a frustrated kindergarten teacher in about four minutes. Watching a character who prides himself on being the "Greatest Lover and Swordfighter" get completely outsmarted by three puffballs who haven't even grown into their ears yet is comedy gold.
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The Whisperer and the Heart of Fire
The villain of the piece, the Whisperer, is voiced by Seth Rogen. It’s a bit of a departure from the high-stakes villains we see in The Last Wish, but he fits the tone here perfectly. He’s a guy who literally speaks in a whisper because he thinks it makes him sound more intimidating. It doesn't. It just makes everyone around him lean in and say "What?"
Puss eventually realizes that the kittens aren't inherently evil. They’ve just been misled by a bad influence. This is where the short actually gets some heart. Puss sees a bit of himself in them—the orphan, the outsider, the one looking for a place to belong. He decides to train them. He gives them names (the aforementioned Perla, Gonzalo, and Sir Timoteo) and teaches them the way of the sword. Or, well, the way of the tiny wooden stick.
Why the Animation Quality Holds Up
Usually, when a studio puts out a "Direct-to-Video" short, the budget gets slashed. You see it in the backgrounds. They look flat. The fur physics look stiff. But Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos actually maintains a surprisingly high production value. DreamWorks used the same character models and assets from the 2011 feature film, so Puss looks just as detailed here as he does on the big screen.
The action sequences are surprisingly tight. There’s a scene where they infiltrate the Whisperer’s secret hideout that feels like a miniature version of an Indiana Jones set piece. It’s fast-paced. It’s kinetic. And it manages to give all three kittens distinct personalities through their movement alone. Perla is the leader. Gonzalo is the muscle (in a tiny kitten sort of way). Sir Timoteo is just... there, and he’s precious.
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A Bridge to The Last Wish?
Looking back at this short after the massive success of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, it’s interesting to see how the character has evolved. In The Three Diablos, Puss is still very much in his "Legendary Hero" phase. He’s arrogant. He’s flashy. He hasn't yet faced the existential dread of being on his last life.
However, you can see the seeds of his paternal instincts here. The way he takes the kittens under his wing mirrors some of the softer moments he eventually shares with Perrito. It proves that Puss, despite all his posturing, has always been a character defined by his loyalty and his willingness to help those smaller than him. Even if those "smaller than him" tried to kill him earlier that afternoon.
Finding the Short Today
If you’re trying to find this today, it’s a bit of a hunt. It’s not always bundled with the main movies on streaming services like Netflix or Peacock. Sometimes it pops up as a standalone purchase on Amazon or Vudu. Occasionally, you can find it on YouTube through official DreamWorks channels or "The World of DreamWorks" compilations.
Is it worth the 13 minutes? Absolutely. If you’re a fan of the Shrek universe, it’s essential viewing. It’s a self-contained story that doesn't require you to remember the convoluted politics of Far Far Away. It’s just a cat, three kittens, and a very loud man who thinks he’s whispering.
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Actionable Takeaways for Shrek Universe Fans
If you want to get the most out of this era of DreamWorks animation, here is how you should actually approach it:
- Watch in Chronological Order: If you’re doing a marathon, watch the first Puss in Boots, then The Three Diablos, then the Adventures of Puss in Boots TV series (if you have the stamina), and finally The Last Wish. It makes the character arc feel much more earned.
- Pay Attention to the Voice Acting: Antonio Banderas is clearly having the time of his life here. Listen for the subtle ways he shifts his voice when he’s talking to the kittens versus when he’s trying to act "cool" for the Princess.
- Check the Credits: DreamWorks often hides little gags in the credits of these shorts. It’s worth sticking around for the final 60 seconds.
- Look for Easter Eggs: There are several visual nods to the original Shrek films scattered in the background of the Whisperer’s lair.
The reality is that Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos is a relic of a time when studios put real effort into physical media bonuses. It’s a bite-sized adventure that captures the wit and charm of the character without overstaying its welcome. It’s funny, it’s surprisingly well-animated, and it features three of the most chaotic characters in the entire franchise. Go find it. Watch it. You’ll never look at a "cute" kitten the same way again.
To fully appreciate the scope of this world, look for the "Scared Shrekless" or "Shrekless" compilations often sold alongside this short. They often contain hidden gems that bridge the gaps between the major theatrical releases.