Promotion for Sony
We all know how much Garfield dislikes the beginning of the work week – and let’s face it, he’s not alone there! So, as the Monday-hating, sarcastic fluffball returns to the big screen this May in The Garfield Movie, here are some fun facts about this lovable, lasagne-eating, orange tabby to remind us why we love him so.
1. He’s true to his origins
The first Garfield comic strip was published in 1976. His creator, cartoonist Jim Davis, has quite a bit of experience with felines, having grown up on a farm with no less than twenty-five cats! Garfield was based on those cats that Davis grew up around but he got his name and personality from Davis’ grandfather, James A. Garfield Davis – a man described by Davis as “a large, cantankerous man.” Sounds familiar …
2. For the love of lasagne
According to the story, Garfield was born in the kitchen of an Italian restaurant called Mamma Leoni’s Italian Restaurant and proceeded to eat all the lasagne and pizza in sight – hence his love for these foods. We fully agree with his love for these Italian favourites.
3. Garfield holds a Guinness World Record … and it’s not for eating the most lasagne!
From the early 2000’s Garfield became the most widely syndicated comic strip in the world with approximately 2,600 newspapers and journals sharing the adventures of Garfield, Jon, and his little dog, Odie.
4. The best quote
Garfield’s most famous quote (after telling us how much he hates those Mondays!) is, “Love me, feed me, never leave me”. We think that’s a fantastic motto to live by!
5. Garfield is fluent in one language
The Garfield books have sold millions since they were introduced in 1980 and have been translated into 40 languages. Whether or not Jon can understand the musings of his marmalade-coloured feline is up for debate but readers are well aware that Garfield is brilliantly fluent in one language … sarcasm! And let’s face it, there are times in our lives when we would all love to drop in a few sarcastic comments with the no-repercussions aloofness of a cat!
6. He’ll get stuck on you!
In the 1980s an inspired merchandising idea resulted in the awesomely popular toy, ‘Garfield Stuck On You’. Garfield in plushie form was suction-cupped onto windows, mirrors, and any other smooth surface. The toy was so popular that a spate of car break-ins were reported in the USA where the only thing taken was the Garfield Stuck On You toy from the now-broken car window. Sometimes, you can be TOO popular!
7. Garfield is Garfield wherever you are in the world (well, almost)
No matter where you are in the world, Garfield is synonymous with being a sarcastic, lasagne-loving, Monday-hating, lovable rogue – except in three Nordic countries. The Swedish call him Gustaf, in Finland his name is Karvinen, and in Norway he’s known as Pusur – which translates as grouchy kitty (and now I have my new Zoom meeting nickname!).
8. He’s got some clout!
Nothing shouts, “Yes, I am THAT famous” more than being able to influence long-held norms. When the Garfield comic strip books were published, Jim Davis insisted upon a new format (now referred to by publishers as the “Garfield format”) to showcase the comic strip how it was originally intended, resulting in books that are wider and shorter in height.
The Garfield Movie
Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.
Get your tickets now for The Garfield Movie, in cinemas 30 May 2024.
Written by Kidspot NZ with information supplied by Sony.
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