Sony Pictures has set a release date for their upcoming animated Garfield movie. Created by Jim Davis in 1978, Garfield is a popular comic strip focused on a lasagna-loving cat who hates Mondays. The character has been adapted in multiple mediums and has headlined two live-action feature films, 2004's Garfield and 2006's Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties. It was recently announced that Sony Animation was developing a Garfield movie with Chris Pratt set to voice the title character.
According to Deadline, Sony Animation has set Garfield for release on February 16, 2024. Pratt will voice Garfield alongside Samuel L. Jackson, who will play Garfield's father Vic, a new character created for the film. Currently, there are two films slated for that release date, an untitled Marvel Studios film and an untitled Universal movie both set to open to take advantage of the Valentine's Day and President's Day weekend.
While Marvel Studios unveiled their Phase 5 slate, many noted that they did not set a film for release on February 16, 2024 date they had previously secured. The date could go to a number of films including Deadpool 3 or a sequel to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and could be unveiled at D23. Sony Pictures is likely hoping that whatever film Marvel Studios announces, Garfield will serve as a good counter-programming option for younger audiences.
Source: Deadline