Garfield is returning to television with a new 2-D animated series set to debut on Paramount+, but the familiar voice of Chris Pratt, who starred as the lasagna-loving cat in the 2024 The Garfield Movie, will not be part of this project. Instead, Emmy-winning actor Lamorne Morris will take over as the voice of Garfield. Fans of the character will have to adjust to this new interpretation, while the roles of Jon Arbuckle, Odie, and Nermal remain uncast, leaving some uncertainty about other familiar voices.
Garfield’s Legacy of Iconic Voices
The role of Garfield has often been a showcase of distinctive voice talent. Before Chris Pratt’s recent performance, Bill Murray lent his voice to Garfield in the 2004 film and its 2006 sequel, Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties. However, many fans regard Lorenzo Music as the definitive voice of Garfield, whose work on the character as well as on other roles like Peter Venkman in The Real Ghostbusters and Larry the Crash Test Dummy from the Incredible Crash Test Dummies PSAs set a high standard for the character’s portrayal.
Chris Pratt’s Continued Involvement with the Franchise
While Pratt will not reprise his role for the new series, he is still connected to the franchise through the announced sequel to The Garfield Movie, slated for release after the upcoming Paramount+ show. Alongside this, Pratt remains busy with other major projects, including providing the voice of the famous plumber in the anticipated Super Mario Galaxy film.
The Road to Garfield’s New Series
The new Garfield show comes after more than seven years of development, a process slowed by a series of mergers, acquisitions, and industry complications typical of recent Hollywood challenges. This reboot reflects efforts to refresh the character’s brand while navigating corporate shifts, promising a fresh take on the well-established comic and animated figure.
The absence of Chris Pratt’s voice in this iteration marks a significant change for fans accustomed to his portrayal, but Lamorne Morris’s involvement suggests a different creative direction. Whether the original supporting cast or characters from the U.S. Acres segment will return remains to be seen, leaving viewers eager for further announcements.
