Shrek 5: Everything we know so far
DreamWorksSomebody once told me… Shrek 5 is in development, so here’s everything you need to know about the next chapter of the iconic animated franchise, including potential release date, as well as cast and plot speculation.
2001’s smash hit Shrek did more than just make almost half a billion dollars at the box office, it also kicked off a franchise that spawned three other films, a spin-off movie series, and a Broadway musical.
The fourth film in the franchise — titled Shrek Forever After — was supposed to be the final chapter for everyone’s favorite ogre and his friends, but rumors started to swirl about a possible fifth movie being in the works and those rumors were confirmed to be true in 2023.
Fans couldn’t be more excited to dive back into the swamp and hang with their fairytale pals once more, so here’s everything we know about Shrek 5, including any updates about its release date, cast, and more.
Is there a Shrek 5 release date?
Shrek 5 is rumored to be due for release in 2025, but we don’t have a specific release date.
The movie was originally set to be released back in 2020, as per Eddie Murphy, but there haven’t been many updates about the project since.
In an interview earlier this year, Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri confirmed a fifth movie with the original cast was in the works but there is no confirmation as to when it will begin production or release.
However, a leaked release window came from an unlikely place: LinkedIn. As shared by TMZ, an alleged employee of NBCUniversal, the parent company of DreamWorks, confirmed she was working on several projects. These included Wicked Part I and II, Despicable Me 4, and Shrek 5 – and she even said it’s slated for release in 2025.
We haven’t had any official confirmation from the studio yet, so we’ll keep this space updated if and when there is.
Shrek 5 cast: Who would be in it?
Although there hasn’t been an official cast revealed by DreamWorks, the interview with Meledandri suggests that the original voice cast could return for Shrek 5.
“When you look back on those vocal performances they’re awesome, and while you certainly could make a case for a complete reinvention, I find myself responding to my own nostalgic feelings of wanting to go back to those characterizations,” he said.
Here’s how that would shake out:
- Mike Meyers as Shrek
- Eddie Murphy as Donkey
- Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona
- Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots
“The challenge for us has been to find something that really does feel like it’s not simply yet another film in a series of sequels.”
In a recent interview with ETalk, Murphy said he would do Shrek 5 in “two seconds.”
“I’d absolutely be open if they ever came with another Shrek, I’d do it in two seconds. I love Donkey,” Murphy said.
“You know, they did Puss in Boots movies. I was like, ‘They should have did a Donkey movie. Donkey is funnier than Puss in Boots.’ I mean, I love Puss in Boots, but he ain’t funny as the Donkey.”
In his newest interview, Meledandri said: “We anticipate the cast coming back. Talks are starting now, and every indication that we’ve gotten is there’s tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return.”
Shrek 5 plot: What would it be about?
There are no plot details for Shrek 5 right now. However, there have been a few bits and pieces that have been revealed over the years, including that it’s set to be a “reinvention” of the original movie series.
Back in March 2017, Michael McCullers, the popular screenwriter set to write Shrek 5, revealed that the movie is set to be a “pretty big reinvention” of the series. He also added: “There’s been four movies and a lot of material, so the characters are pretty beloved and they’re great characters, but you also have to think of a pretty new take at that point.”
Although that was five years ago, Mike Meyers said in May 2022 that he would be “thrilled” if he got the chance to do one Shrek movie every year.
Clearly, Meyers is more than ready to reprise his role, even if it’s in a somewhat altered Shrek universe. Whatever is coming next in the Shrek franchise, it might not be revealed for quite some time.
Is there a Shrek 5 trailer?
No, there isn’t a trailer for Shrek 5, nor is there any footage or images from the sequel.
We’ll update this space upon its release or further news.
That’s everything we know about Shrek 5 so far. In the meantime, you can check out all of the movies hitting streaming this month, and head here to find out the TV shows coming to streaming this month too.
