Why ‘Shrek 5’ Should Revive This Overlooked Element From The 2001 Original

‘The Shrek’ franchise holds more cultural significance than one might initially think. It should have blended into the plethora of children’s movies released around the same time, especially those from DreamWorks. Though it entered a competitive market and popularized the celebrity-driven animated blockbuster, it didn’t invent the concept. What set ‘Shrek’ apart was its open mockery of competitors, particularly Disney. While the first few films seized every chance to lampoon Disney’s formula, the more recent ones have lost that edge. Shrek 5 could benefit from regaining some of that sardonic tone.

Parody movies, as a genre, have been struggling. Spoof comedies once reliably entertained audiences, but have since been tarnished by low-quality productions like Scary Movie, Date Movie, and Disaster Movie. As a result, straightforward spoofs have become nearly extinct, with most preferring darker subversions over playful ones. ‘Shrek’ could defy this trend. It’s been fourteen years since the last ‘Shrek’ movie.

Also Read: Eddie Murphy Says ‘Shrek 5’ Could Be Released Next Year

Though ‘Shrek Forever After’ didn’t feel like a definitive conclusion, it ended the series for over a decade. Spin-offs like ‘Puss in Boots’ kept the spirit alive, but fans have longed for the return of the ogre. ‘Shrek 5’ is set for a 2026 release, after numerous delays and changes in plans.

DreamWorks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg had envisioned a series of five films back in 2004, with the fifth intended to explore Shrek’s origins. Although ‘Shrek Forever After’ seemed like a conclusion, Katzenberg promised more films in 2014. NBCUniversal’s acquisition of DreamWorks in 2016 ensured the franchise’s continuation. Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri later joined as a producer and screenwriter, aiming for a 2026 release.

The ‘Shrek’ franchise, inspired by William Steig’s 1990 book ‘Shrek!,’ is a broad parody of traditional fairy tales, particularly subverting the notion that beauty equates to goodness. Shrek, an ugly but bold and playful hero, challenges this expectation. While much of this subversive messaging became gross-out humour, it remained central to Shrek’s plot, highlighting a hero who would traditionally be a villain.

‘Shrek’ and ‘Shrek 2’ critiqued Disney, and similar satire is needed today. Disney’s formulaic approach is ripe for parody, especially as it continues to dominate the entertainment industry. ‘Shrek’ changed the landscape of animated films, with both positive and negative impacts. While ‘Shrek 5’ might disappoint, it also has the potential to be a sharp, satirical entry into modern cinema, giving Shrek a chance to deliver more pointed humour.

–Farheen Ali