Shrek 5 Should Bring Back A Forgotten Aspect Of The 2001 Original

Shrek 5 Should Bring Back A Forgotten Aspect Of The 2001 Original

As a long-time gamer and avid moviegoer, I can’t help but be excited about the upcoming release of “Shrek 5.” The original franchise was not only a cultural phenomenon but also a bold parody that poked fun at the dominant players in the children’s entertainment industry. With the current state of parody movies and Disney’s seemingly endless stream of formulaic productions, it’s the perfect time for Shrek to make his return.


The “Shrek” series holds greater cultural significance than one might initially assume. It may seem ordinary among the multitude of children’s films released during its timeframe, many of which hail from DreamWorks. Despite entering a cutthroat marketplace, it didn’t pioneer the celebrity-driven animated blockbuster genre; others preceded it. However, what sets “Shrek” apart is its audacious disdain for competitors. The earlier installments mercilessly mocked Disney’s predictable formulae, while more recent entries lack the same edge. A more sarcastic approach would be fitting for “Shrek 5.”

The genre of parody movies is facing difficulties in capturing audience’s interest. Once a popular and entertaining cinematic format, spoof comedies have been overshadowed by their less appealing counterparts, often referred to as “Movie” movies. Films like “Scary Movie,” “Date Movie,” and “Disaster Movie,” among others, have given parody a bad name, potentially irreversibly damaging its reputation. While parody films still exist, there’s a noticeable shift towards darker subversions over the more light-hearted, playful ones. However, exceptions like “Shrek” demonstrate that parody can continue to captivate and entertain audiences when executed effectively.

Shrek 5 is Finally Happening

Shrek 5 Should Bring Back A Forgotten Aspect Of The 2001 Original

Fourteen years have passed since the release of the last “Shrek” film, with “Shrek Forever After” serving as an ending but not a definitive conclusion to the series. The spin-off projects featuring Puss in Boots kept the franchise’s spirit alive, but fans have eagerly awaited the return of everyone’s favorite ogre. Originally envisioned as a five-part series by DreamWorks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg in 2004 following the success of “Shrek 2,” “Shrek 5” is now set to debut in 2026. However, this isn’t the first date that was suggested for the film’s release. Back then, Katzenberg expressed a strong desire to delve deeper into Shrek’s world and explore new questions through the third and fourth films, ultimately leading to the fifth installment acting as a prequel that would explain how Shrek ended up in his iconic swamp setting.

In 2007, when “Shrek the Third” hit theaters, Katzenberg proposed a 2013 release date for “Shrek 5.” Given the approximate three-year interval between previous installments, this timeline seemed plausible. However, Katzenberg eventually changed his mind and viewed “Shrek Forever After” as the last film in the series. He reconsidered this decision in 2014 and announced plans for more movies. In 2016, NBCUniversal acquired DreamWorks Animation, ensuring the continuation of the franchise in some capacity. Initially, they targeted a 2019 release date, but time continued to elapse. Eventually, Illumination’s CEO, Chris Meledandri, came aboard as producer and screenwriter, with a projected premiere for “Shrek” fans in 2026.

Shrek was a Parody

William Steig’s acclaimed children’s book “Shrek!,” published in 1990, served as the foundation for the popular movie series. This humorous take on a classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, titled “The Story of the Youth Who Went Forth to Learn What Fear Was,” challenges conventional representations in children’s literature. The typical portrayal of beauty equating to goodness and ugliness to evil is flipped with the introduction of Shrek as an unconventional hero. Steig masterfully crafted a daring, witty, and unsightly protagonist that defied expectations. The author described Shrek as follows:

In an unflattering comparison, Shrek surpassed the ugliness of his parents, his mother and father combined. By the time he was a toddler, this ogre could expel flames up to a remarkable length of ninety-nine yards and emit smoke from both ears. Merely glaring at him was enough to intimidate the reptiles inhabiting the swamp. Any snake foolish enough to bite Shrek would instantaneously seize with convulsions and perish.

Shrek’s story subtly challenged the norm by portraying an unconventional hero who, despite facing typical heroic trials, received the traditional rewards. However, unlike the knights in shining armor of classic tales, Shrek’s journey was far from beautiful – it was as ugly and unrefined as possible. Both Shrek and Shrek 2 cleverly satirized Disney and offered biting commentary disguised as humor. In today’s world, a similar voice that exposes societal flaws with wit and humor would be invaluable.

Shrek 5 Has Plenty to Make Fun Of

Shrek 5 Should Bring Back A Forgotten Aspect Of The 2001 Original

Disney’s classic criticisms persist, yet fresh grievances emerge. Last year’s film “Wish” showcased Disney’s stale and uninspired attempt at reviving the traditional princess narrative. Despite producing intriguing content, Disney’s conventional approach feels outdated. As long as they adhere to these antiquated methods, they remain ripe for satire. The present moment offers a fertile ground for poking fun at Disney. With their increasing dominance in entertainment, it’s crucial to inject fresh perspectives and challenge the status quo.

As a passionate gamer and an avid fan of animated films, I can’t help but reflect on the significant impact that “Shrek” had on the industry. While it brought some much-needed change to the table, there were certainly drawbacks. Unfortunately, its influence might have contributed to the scarcity of high-quality 2D animation in cinemas today. However, let’s not forget the sharp critiques and biting humor that Shrek served up as an alternative to the traditional Disney model. With “Shrek 5” on the horizon, I can’t help but wonder if it will be a disappointing sequel or a satirical masterpiece poking fun at modern blockbuster cinema. Whatever it may be, I for one am excited to see Shrek get in on a few more gags!

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2024-07-14 23:05