Who is Diego‘s girlfriend in Ice Age?
Diego, the quick-witted saber-toothed cat in the wildly successful Ice Age film series, began the franchise as a lone wolf focused only on his own survival in the harsh Ice Age world. But over the five (and counting) movies, Diego slowly warmed into a loyal protector and friend of the ragtag “Herd” of animal misfits including clumsy mammoth Manfred and goofy sloth Sid.
Yet Diego lacked his own dedicated companion and romantic partner – until fierce, independent saber Shira was introduced in 2012‘s Ice Age: Continental Drift. As a former pirate under the villainous Captain Gutt, Shira began the movie as an antagonist determined to take down Diego and the Herd. But thanks to Diego deciding to protect Shira from her crew, the tigress ultimately betrays Gutt and joins Diego‘s crew – just in time to help the Herd triumph.
Shira’s evolving dynamic with Diego – going from enemies to close friends to mates – has delighted fans across the Continental Drift, Collison Course, and Buck Wild films. Let‘s take an in-depth look at Diego‘s sassy saber girlfriend and how their relationship has thrilled Ice Age devotees worldwide.
Shira‘s Initial Antagonistic Role Toward Diego and the Herd
In Continental Drift, Shira is introduced as a key member of a band of animal pirates led by the murderous and merciless Captain Gutt, an ape. Rough and fearless, Shira is Gutt‘s first mate who leads the pirates on quests for bounty and thrills alongside other brigands like kangaroo Raz and elephant seal Flynn.
When Shira and the pirates capture the Herd early on in the film, Diego tangles verbally with her: "If you‘re looking for the ‘uterus lady‘, she died years ago." This antagonistic banter between the two sabers clearly sets up that Shira will be Diego‘s primary adversary in the quest – and that their verbal fights could soon become something deeper.
Throughout Continental Drift, Shira pursues and attacks the Herd multiple times in service to Gutt. But there are already small signs she may resent her servitude – as Diego notes, "Maybe you want to join our scurvy crew, see what it‘s like to be free." This plants the first seeds of doubt that will contribute to Shira‘s eventual heroic turn.
How Diego Convinces Shira to Switch Sides
A pivotal scene arrives when Diego faces off solo against Shira in an underground cavern. When Shira has an opportunity to kill Diego, she hesitates – showing for the first time her softening attitude towards him. Sensing her self-doubt, Diego asks "don‘t like the company you keep?" making the case to Shira that she doesn‘t have to be a villain.
Soon after, when a landmass collapse knocks Shira unconscious into the water, Diego risks his own life by leaping in to grab her. "What did you do that for?" Shira asks weakly. "Call me soft…I couldn‘t just let you drown,” Diego replies, proving his noble side. This gesture of mercy finally convinces Shira to abandon Gutt‘s crew. “What’s your name, softie?” she remarks with a smirk – her first sign of affection for him.
Moments of Bonding for Diega & Shira in Continental Drift
After joining the rest of the motley Herd, Shira develops a deeper bond with Diego throughout Continental Drift. Their sparring and banter take on a playful, even overtly romantic tone at times.
One memorable scene shows them sharing a touching silhouette against a colorful sunrise – a loving tableaux that leaves no doubt they have become partners in the fullest sense. “I could get used to this,” Shira remarks offhandedly as they gaze into each other‘s eyes, in a subtle acknowledgment of their burgeoning relationship.
Shira also ultimately proves vital in helping rescue Sid‘s Granny from the pirates – showing she is now fully committed to the Herd. And of course, her timely assist allows Diego to triumphantly defeat her old boss Gutt.
In the aftermath, Shira makes a key decision. Diego says they don‘t expect her to join the Herd long term…but the steely saber replies that abandoning them would “make me want to puke.” It’s official – Diego and Shira are together for good.
Diego & Shira – An Ice Age Institution
Fast forward to 2016‘s Ice Age: Collision Course, and Diego and Shira‘s romance has never been stronger. They quip and nuzzle like any married couple…because now they literally are husband and wife! The two sabers are still trading deadpan zingers – “wow, I forgot how smooth you are with the ladies,” Shira teases at one point.
Yet Diego and Shira also clearly have evolved into soulmates who know each others hearts, supporting one another emotionally throughout Collision Course‘s literal world-ending threat. Most touchingly, they confide how their "herd is still small" – with the strong implication they hope to start a family at long last post-Collision Course.
And while Shira oddly sits out 2022‘s Buck Wild adventure, fans have no doubt she remains fiercely devoted to her beloved Diego in every off-screen moment! Nearly ten years since Continental Drift‘s release, the bold & snarky tigress Shira remains Diego‘s number one fan…as well as the ultimate Ice Age girlfriend for the formerly lone wolf saber guy.
