Summary

• Shrek 5 development confirmed with potential for spin-offs.
• The original cast potentially returning, including Mike Myers and Antonio Banderas.
• Story details remain a mystery, but the sequel could potentially focus on Shrek and Fiona's teenaged kids.

After more than a decade since the last installment of the franchise, fans are still looking for Shrek 5 to take them back to Far, Far Away. In 2001, the landscape of animated films changed forever when Shrek premiered. A clever amalgamation of wry adult comedy and bucolic, kid-friendly whimsy, it put a twist on the fairytale format with outrageous trope-smashing characters, a catchy soundtrack, and a wonderful message of self-discovery. It was swiftly followed by Shrek 2 in 2002, Shrek the Third in 2007, and Shrek Forever After in 2010.

Despite its slow development, Shrek 5 is still happening — and despite alterations in direction and storylines, it seems to finally be coming out of the ever-dreaded development hell. The success of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish has reignited interest in the Shrek franchise with the acclaimed spinoff movie teasing more adventures in the land of Far, Far Away. After such a long wait, Shrek 5 could prove to be the most exciting installment of the franchise that helped put Dreamworks on the map as a powerhouse of CGI animation.

The Latest Shrek 5 News

A Spinoff Star Wants To Return In Shrek 5

Though it isn't a major development, the latest news sees a Puss in Boots: The Last Wish star express interest in Shrek 5. Voicing the character of Perrito in Dreamwork's blockbuster spinoff, actor Harvey Guillén hopes he can return to reprise his role in the long-awaited Shrek 5. When asked if he would appear, Guillén said, "Oh, absolutely. 100%. I mean, I think we want to hear, I want to hear Perrito's origin story." If the beleaguered Shrek sequel could somehow connect to The Last Wish, it might help spur the movie's development.

Shrek 5 Is Confirmed To Be In Development

The Beloved Ogre's Return Is In The Works

Chris Meledandri's confirmation of Shrek 5's development came as part of a wide range of announcements and teases that he gave during his interview with Variety, including information on Sing 3 and Secret Life of Pets 3. One of the more interesting tidbits for Shrek fans is that he seemingly teased that Eddie Murphy's desired Donkey spin-off movie could happen, saying that the character could carry their own movie “Without question.”

Shrek and Shrek 2 are available to stream on Peacock, while Shrek 3 can be rented or purchased on Apple TV, Google Play, Amazon Prime, and Vudu. Shrek Forever After can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.

Shrek 5 Cast

Will Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey Return?

A big question about the sequel has been whether the Shrek 5 cast will feature the original voice actors who made the characters so popular. Mike Myer's comments on the subject are great news for Shrek 5, and though they don't provide a release date for the new Shrek movie, they at least indicate his enthusiasm for returning to the franchise "every year" if he could.

Since Shrek 2, Antonio Banderas has delighted fans with the character of Puss in Boots, and with the success of his own spin-off series, he believes it's time for the swashbuckling feline to return to the Shrek universe that started it all. "I’ve been with this cat for almost 20 years," he told Deadline. "The first time I did Puss in Boots, I was working on Broadway, so I did my first session there. I’ve done five movies now. There is probably gonna be another, and [Shrek] is probably coming back."

Banderas is one of the latest cast members from the franchise to give fans a potential Shrek 5 update, and given the critical acclaim for Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, the fan base is still loyal and anxious to see where Shrek 5 goes with its storyline. While Cameron Diaz' return as Fiona was put in jeopardy by her seeming retirement from acting, it has taken a positive turn as she has now returned to the big screen. Despite that, her return has not been confirmed yet.

Shrek 5 Story Details

What Will Happen When Shrek Returns?

Despite a slew of script-related updates over the years, no actual story details have been revealed about the long-awaited Shrek 5. With Shrek and Fiona settled down after Shrek 4, something big would need to happen to dislodge the two from their happy ever after. One avenue that could be explored would be Shrek and Fiona's kids, most of whom would be older teens by the time Shrek 5's story takes place. This could offer all sorts of narrative possibilities as Shrek ages and tries to stay in touch with the younger generation of fairy tale characters.