Antonio Banderas: 'Shrek' will leave legacy in film animation

Antonio Banderas says he is flattered to have lent his voice as the character Puss in Boots in the animated "Shrek" films, especially because the role is in a language not his own.

Photo: Antonio Banderas: 'Shrek' will leave legacy in film animation

"The fact that I arrived in this country without knowing a word in English and that years later they call on me only for my voice makes me feel proud," the Spanish film star, who debuted in the United States in 1992 with "The Mambo Kings" and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005, told The Associated Press.

In "Shrek the Third," the king dies and Shrek, played by Mike Myers, is designated to the throne. But when he finds out his wife, Fiona, played by Cameron Diaz, is pregnant, he leaves with Puss in Boots and Donkey, played by Eddie Murphy, in search of his brother-in-law, played by Justin Timberlake.

Meanwhile, the evil Prince Charming, played by Rupert Everett, takes advantage of the situation to rob the crown.

"It's a world of adventure," Banderas, 46, said in a recent phone interview.

He and Murphy also recorded a version of the 1970s soul classic, "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)," by Sly & the Family Stone, which will close out the film.

"Shrek the Third," to be released Friday, is "going to leave a legacy in animation," Banderas said.