The fan-favorite flerken, Goose the cat, is making a comeback in The Marvels, the highly anticipated sequel to Captain Marvel. The film, hitting theaters November 10, reunites Brie Larson as Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), alongside newcomers Iman Vellani (Ms. Marvel) and Zawe Ashton (Dar-Benn).
While Goose’s mischievous charm remains intact, the original cat actor from Captain Marvel did not return for the sequel. Due to filming taking place in the U.K. instead of the U.S., production enlisted local feline talent.
Meet Tango and Nemo: The New Faces of Goose
Animal trainer Jo Vaughan, a veteran in the film and TV industry, was tasked with finding and training Goose’s successors. After an extensive search, two lookalike cats—Tango (the lead) and Nemo (the backup)—were cast.
Neither had prior acting experience, requiring Vaughan to train them from scratch over three months. The first hurdle? Acclimating the cats to the chaotic environment of a live film set.
“Cats are generally quite nervous creatures, so they have to be comfortable around all those people and sounds,” Vaughan told PEOPLE.
The Challenges of Training Cats vs. Dogs
Unlike dogs, which are often socialized through walks and car rides, cats typically associate leaving home with stressful experiences like vet visits. Vaughan had to condition Tango and Nemo to view new environments positively.
“You have to teach cats all these new things are positive,” she explained.
Once comfortable on set, the cats learned specific behaviors for their scenes. Vaughan trained them to hit precise marks based on the script, ensuring they could perform reliably—even when faced with changing conditions.
“If they have to sit on somebody’s shoulder, we teach them long before they ever come to set how to do it,” Vaughan said. “To them, it doesn’t make much difference who that person is.”
Want to Train Your Own Cat? Treats Are Key
For aspiring pet trainers, Vaughan—who owns six dogs, three cats, and a bearded dragon—emphasizes positive reinforcement.
“They don’t work for nothing,” she said. “Find something they want in return—usually treats.”
Training not only sharpens a pet’s skills but also strengthens the bond between owner and animal. “It’s quite rewarding,” Vaughan added. “You build more of a connection than just living alongside them.”
With Tango and Nemo ready for their close-up, The Marvels promises to deliver Goose’s signature blend of chaos and charm—proving even alien cats can steal the show.
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