Puss In Boots on Solo track

Shrek 2 scene-stealer Puss In Boots is getting closer to having his own movie. Daily Variety reports that DreamWorks has hired writer David H. Steinberg (Slackers, American Pie 2) to pen a screenplay that revolves around the swashbuckling feline voiced by Antonio Banderas, who is reportedly on board to reprise the role.

We reported back in November of 2004 that DreamWorks was toying with the idea of a direct-to-video animated Puss outing. At the time, Ed Decter and John Strauss, writers of The Lizzie Maguire Movie and There’s Something About Mary were attached to the project.

With Steinberg’s reported six-figure deal, it appears that the studio may have theatrical plans for the Puss In Boots movie. The sword-wielding tabby emerged as the breakout character in Shrek 2 and should have no problem packing in audiences even if his ogre buddy isn’t along for the ride. DreamWorks declined to comment.