Reunited and it feels so good. Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas are sharing the screen yet again, this time in animated form as cats in Puss In Boots, out Friday. Banderas recreates his swashbuckling character in this Shrek spinoff, which costars his mysterious, street smart friend Kitty Southpaws (Hayek). The buddies first costarred (in the flesh) in 1995’s Desperado, then Frida in 2002, and 2003’s Once Upon a Time in Mexico.
Banderas, who is from Spain, and Hayek, from Mexico, share more than the same language. They’re friends and admirers of one another’s work. “It’s always such great fun to work with Antonio, especially with this character he’s created that I’ve adored since it began,’’ said Hayek from the Mandarin Oriental Miami Hotel. Added Banderas: “This was an opportunity to work with an actress I respect and one I practically started out with.’’
Hayek — who lives in Paris with her billionaire husband François-Henri Pinault and their 4-year-old daughter Valentina — had a guiding force for her first voice role. “It’s funny : Desperado was my first movie in America, and Antonio helped me through it,’’ said Hayek, 45. “And now it’s my first movie that’s animated and again it’s Antonio.’’Banderas, 51, loved bringing back his furry character in this Shrek prequel, and even feels a little feline affinity.
“He loves female cats,’’ said the father of one who is married to Melanie Griffith. “At the same time, he’s soft and vulnerable. I may relate to him in a certain way. I would have loved to be more like him in my single days.’’
As for Kitty Southpaws, Salma won’t be channeling her on Halloween. “It would be hard. She’s naked with just boots and a belt — that’s it!!’’ “It would be very problematic,’’ added Banderas. “We may even be arrested on the street.’’ Banderas and Hayek were happy to be on a press tour in Miami. Banderas met Griffith on the set of Two Much here in 1995 and has fond memories. “This city always brings me good luck, that’s the truth,’’ said Banderas. “But the main thing is that it’s probably the most Spanish city in the United States. The accents and the language make you very comfortable — almost like a second home.’’
Hayek shares the love. “It’s special, definitely one of a kind,’’ she said. “You look around, and you see all these buildings and stuff, but the nature around you is extraordinary. That’s the perfect combination for me.’’She throws in a little known fact: Salma’s a diver. “There are a lot of really good spots here. You can be in a big city but within 45 minutes you’re someplace else totally different.’’