Finally! 'Argylle' Gives Us A Kitty Cat Movie Star

By Emily Richardson | Film | January 26, 2024 |

By Emily Richardson | Film | January 26, 2024 |

As a lazy indoor-person, it takes a special kind of film to get my butt into a movie theater. Especially when most of them are available on streamers within weeks. But, on February 2, I will be marching to the big screen to see the new spy movie, Argylle.

“Oh, are you a big Matthew Vaughn fan?” you may be asking. To that, I say, (pauses to Google movies Matthew Vaughn directed) “Not particularly. Although I remember really enjoying Stardust back in 2007.” And, as much I like Bryce Dallas Howard, it’s not her either. Or Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston or Dua Lipa. It’s not even Catherine O’Hara. Nope, I’m going to see Argylle cuz of that cat in the backpack.

Think about all the live-action dog movies: Lassie, My Dog Skip, Old Yeller, Marley & Me, A Dog’s Purpose, Max, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Dog, etc.

Now, list all the pussycat flicks (Aristocats, Puss in Boots, and Garfield, and Cats don’t count, they’re animated and/or terrible): That Darn Cat!, Keanu, and both Incredible Journey movies. Unfortunately, The Incredible Journey doesn’t count because Sassy the cat is outnumbered by two dogs. Keanu doesn’t count cuz I didn’t see it (shhh, my system is flawed). And That Darn Cat!? Fine, I’ll give it to them. That’s a legit cat movie. But, overall, cinema is sorely lacking in feline representation.

That’s why I’m so pumped that Argylle stars a cat. In the movie, spy novelist Elly (Bryce Dallas Howard) is traveling with her kitty, Alfie, when she’s targeted by a sinister underground crime ring. As she dodges spies and assassins, Elly carries Alfie around in an argyle-patterned backpack carrier. Don’t worry, there are air holes. And, for the dangerous stunts, the cat is CGI. Matthew Vaughn wasn’t about to risk the life of the adorable Scottish fold, because, um, it’s inhumane and the animal actor is his real-life family pet, Chip!

Back in September, Matthew told Vanity Fair that Chip was a last minute nepo-baby replacement:

“What happened the first day of filming, we had a professional, very expensive acting cat that was useless. So I fired the cat,” he says. “They don’t have any rights, thank God. And I went home and went up to my daughter’s bedroom and grabbed her cat and said, ‘I’m borrowing this cat for three months.’”

On Wednesday night, Argylle had its premiere in London, and Chip made an appearance. His plus-one was Matthew’s wife, Claudia Goddamn Schiffer, who wore a shiny argyle-patterned dress to match Chip’s carrier. Later, Claudia brought Chip onstage to pose with his co-stars:

The question is, is Chip into this? I must admit, he looks pretty cool for a cat in public. My cat-son, Bob Sacamano, would be wriggling around like a worm. But every feline is different. Some actually enjoy going on leashed walks, riding in strollers, being strapped to their human’s chests, and bouncing around in backpacks. Does Chip? I can’t say; I don’t know him personally. Here’s hoping.

Chip is becoming such a big star that he and Claudia have written a novel about their adventures together. He also has a rapidly growing Instagram page:

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A post shared by Chip (@chipthecat)

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A post shared by Chip (@chipthecat)

I love Chip so much that I don’t even care if Argylle debuts with a paltry 33% on Rotten Tomatoes. I’ll still be there opening weekend. That, my dears, is the power of the pussy. I hope you’re listening, movie studios.