If you’ve spent any time in the Shrek cinematic universe, you know that Puss in Boots is usually the one stealing the spotlight with those massive, dilated pupils. But honestly? In the 2012 short film Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos, he finally met his match. These aren't just background characters. They are tiny, fuzzy agents of absolute anarchy.
Most people missed this sequel-short because it was tucked away on the DVD and Blu-ray releases of the original Puss in Boots movie. That’s a shame. It’s actually one of the funniest things DreamWorks has ever produced. The Three Diablos Puss in Boots encountered—Perla, Gonzalo, and Sir Timoteo—started as ruthless antagonists and ended up as Puss’s pupils. Sorta.
It’s a weirdly deep story for a 13-minute short. It deals with redemption, the nature of "bad seeds," and the fact that even the most legendary swashbuckler can be defeated by a well-timed "meow."
Who Exactly Are These Tiny Terrors?
The story kicks off right after the events of the first Puss in Boots film. Puss is a hero, but he’s basically acting as a bounty hunter for the Princess of Italy. Someone stole the Heart of Fire—a massive ruby—and the Princess thinks Puss is the only one who can get it back. The thief? A mysterious figure known as "The Whisperer."
But here’s the twist: the Princess’s guards didn't capture the Whisperer. They captured his henchmen. Puss expects hardened criminals. Instead, he gets three kittens.
They look innocent. They aren't.
Perla, Gonzalo, and Sir Timoteo (the one with the eyepatch, which is hilarious) are actually quite skilled at psychological warfare. They spend the first half of the short basically bullying Puss. They bury him alive. They trick him. They laugh at him. It’s a rare moment where Puss, who usually has the upper hand, looks completely out of his depth.
💡 You might also like: Kiss My Eyes and Lay Me to Sleep: The Dark Folklore of a Viral Lullaby
The Whisperer and the Heart of Fire
You can’t talk about the Three Diablos Puss in Boots fought without mentioning their "boss." The Whisperer is voiced by Danny Trejo, which is a perfect casting choice for a guy who literally whispers because his voice is too terrifying at normal volumes.
The kittens weren't working for him because they were evil. They were working for him because they were orphans who didn't know any better. This is where the story gets that classic DreamWorks heart. Puss realizes that these "Diablos" are just like he used to be—lost, misunderstood, and looking for a family in all the wrong places.
He decides to flip the script. Instead of turning them in, he trains them.
Why the Three Diablos Stand Out in Animation
There's something about the way these kittens are animated that feels different from the main films. Because it was a short, the animators could go a bit more "squash and stretch." Their movements are frenetic. When they decide to help Puss, they don't just help; they become a tiny, fur-covered tactical unit.
They use their cuteness as a weapon. It’s a recurring gag in the franchise, sure, but seeing three kittens do it simultaneously to distract The Whisperer is comedy gold.
Honestly, the chemistry between Antonio Banderas’s voice work and the high-pitched chirps of the kittens creates a dynamic that the sequels haven't quite replicated. While The Last Wish went for a more existential, painterly vibe, The Three Diablos stays rooted in that zany, slapstick energy that made the early Shrek movies so popular.
📖 Related: Kate Moss Family Guy: What Most People Get Wrong About That Cutaway
The Secret Influence on Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
If you look closely at The Last Wish, you can see the DNA of the Three Diablos Puss in Boots helped years ago. Puss’s paternal instincts, which we see more of with Perrito, were first field-tested with these three kittens.
He learned that he wasn't just a loner. He could lead. He could teach.
The Diablos actually end up becoming "The Three Gato-teers" by the end of the short. They get their own tiny capes and hats. It’s adorable, obviously, but it’s also a significant character beat for Puss. He goes from a thief to a mentor.
Is It Still Worth Watching?
Absolutely. You can usually find it on streaming platforms like Netflix or Peacock as part of the Shrek’s Stories collections.
It’s a quick watch, but it fills in the gaps of Puss’s transition from a fugitive to a legitimate hero of the land. Plus, the action sequences on the Whisperer's secret island are actually better choreographed than some full-length features.
The way the kittens use their environment—swinging on vines, using Puss’s cape as a parachute—shows a level of creativity that reminds you why DreamWorks dominated the 2010s.
👉 See also: Blink-182 Mark Hoppus: What Most People Get Wrong About His 2026 Comeback
How to Spot the Diablos in the Fandom
If you’re a die-hard fan, you’ll notice that the Three Diablos Puss in Boots merchandise is actually somewhat rare. Because it was a "Special Feature" short, there weren't massive toy lines or posters.
However, you'll see them pop up in mobile games like Puss in Boots: Fruit Ninja or various Shrek-themed lore deep dives. Fans love them because they represent the "mischief" side of the franchise that occasionally gets buried under the bigger, save-the-world plots.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to dive deeper into this specific corner of the Shrek-verse, here is what you need to do:
- Check the "Extras" section: If you have the original movie on digital platforms like Vudu or Apple TV, look for the "Bonus Features." It’s often listed as Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos rather than being a separate movie entry.
- Watch for the Voice Actors: Keep an ear out for the kittens. They aren't voiced by famous celebrities, but rather by the production staff and professional voice artists who specialize in "creature sounds."
- The Eyepatch Detail: Pay attention to Sir Timoteo. His eyepatch isn't just for show—it's a nod to the classic "rogue" archetype that Puss himself parodies.
- Lore Connection: Treat this short as canon. It explains why Puss is so comfortable around other cats later in the TV series The Adventures of Puss in Boots.
The Three Diablos Puss in Boots encountered are more than just a footnote. They are a reminder that in this universe, no one is truly "bad"—they're just one orange cat away from a redemption arc and a very stylish hat.
To fully appreciate the evolution of Puss as a character, you have to see him handle three versions of his younger, more chaotic self. It’s a masterclass in character development disguised as a goofy cartoon short. If you haven't seen it yet, go find a copy. It's the best 13 minutes you'll spend in Far Far Away this week.
Next time you watch The Last Wish, remember that Puss was a "father figure" long before he met Team Friendship. He was busy herding the Diablos.