Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos (2012)

Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos (2012) is an American computer-animated short comedy adventure. After the Golden Goose incident, Puss finds himself at a crossroads – should he continue as an outlaw or become a hero? During a ride through the desert on his trusty horse, Puss is captured by Italian knights and brought before Princess Alessandra Belagomba. The princess reveals that her kingdom’s prized Ruby, known as the ‘Heart of Fire’, has been stolen. While initially thinking he has been falsely accused, Puss learns that the princess simply wants to hire him based on his reputation. She explains that the theft was committed by a French thief known as ‘The Whisperer’ and her knights have apprehended his three henchmen – three kittens referred to as ‘Diablos’. Despite Puss’ disbelief that innocent kittens could be thieves, the princess and her guards are terrified of them.

The Diablos agree to assist Puss on the condition of returning the ruby for their freedom. However, when Puss leads them into the desert, they quickly betray him and bury him alive. Despite this betrayal, Puss manages to escape and uses his keen gaze to recapture the Diablos. That evening, he initially plans to send them back to jail for their treachery, but upon learning of their orphaned status (similar to his own), Puss sympathetically shares his own experiences of being misled and betrayed by Humpty and the Whisperer. Realizing that they too struggle with trust, Puss decides to guide them down a better path by training them in combat and spending time with them as friends. To further solidify their bond, he even gives them unique names – Perla (for her individuality), Gonzalo (for his fiery nature), and Sir Timoteo Montenegro III (in recognition of his regal bearing).