The Hollywood Reporter reports that Tom Wheeler has been hired to pen the screenplay for "Puss in Boots," a film that will serve as a spin-off to the "Shrek" franchise. The movie will be a standalone animated feature that focuses on the character of Puss in Boots, voiced by Antonio Banderas.

Michelle Raimo is producing for Dreamworks Animation.

Puss in Boots, a fiesty sword-wielding cat, made his debut in "Shrek 2" and will be seen again in "Shrek Goes Fourth," opening May 21, 2010.