The official confirmation for Shrek 5 dates back to 2016, which would suggest that it should have been released a couple of years ago. But clearly, the release has been postponed. The movie was being discussed as early as 2014.
Shrek 5 will be next in the franchise after the last movie by the name “Shrek Forever After” which released in 2010. The idea for Shrek 5 was conceived following NBCUniversal Comcast’s purchase of DreamWorks Animation Studio for a consideration of $3.8 billion. Following the purchase, NBCUniversal Head and Sr. Executive Vice President of Comcast, Steve Burke made a revelation, that they plan on reviving the franchise along with several other popular animation movies in DreamWorks.
@NBCUniversal soooo will there or will there not be a Shrek5? Because I think that’s what America needs right now. #shrek #shrek5 #itswhatweneed
— Kit (@GundersonKit) May 4, 2020
Shrek 5: The words “Reboot” and “Sequel” explained
Initially, a common misconception among the fans was that Shrek 5 will pick up where the last movie left off, i.e. it will be a sequel. However, these misconceptions have been put to rest as it was later clarified that Shrek 5 will actually be a reboot of the franchise, and the story will start afresh. It must be noted that the characters of the movie will remain the same.
Shrek 5: Expectations
When Shrek 5 was initially announced in 2016, reports reckoned that a reasonable release date would be somewhere in 2019 or 2020. However, the movie is not even in production. The script is fully prepared as the new scriptwriter Michael McCullers has claimed.
Good lord the animators on #Shrek5 are working 140 Hours work weeks? just for 1 sodding film
— Spartan Locke Fan Jon "VMC" (@JonCarter22) May 1, 2020
“I finished that script and It’s really personal to me,” Michael was quoted as saying. “It’s got a pretty big reinvention behind it and I imagine they’re particularly interested in it stepping up and actually figuring out the future of the franchise.”
Meanwhile, IMDb states that Shrek 5 will release in the year 2022. Assuming the pandemic will not cause further delays, 2022 might be the year we see our beloved characters return.