Shrek 5 Is Still Happening, Will It Be a Complete Reboot?

It’s been just over six years since we last saw the beloved ogreShrekon the big screen withShrek Forever After, and over the years, there has been talk ofShrek 5. While nothing has been made official yet it seems this franchise could be back in the near future, following Comcast’s recent $3.8 billion acquisition of DreamWorks Animation back in April. During an investors gathering earlier today, NBCUniversal chiefSteve Burketeased that they are hoping to release as many as four animated movies a year, includingShrek 5. Though, it doesn’t sound like they know whether or not this newShrekmovie will be a sequel or a complete reboot. Figuring out how to reviveShrekis a current struggle within the company.

When Comcast’s NBCUniversal bought DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion, Illumination Entertainment’sChris Meledandriwas brought in to oversee theShrek franchiseand the studio’s other franchises likeKung Fu PandaandHow to Train Your Dragon.Deadline’s report reveals thatMeledandriwill help bring thegreen ogreback to life, although no specific details were given quite yet. Here’s whatSteve Burkehad to say in a brief statement.

“He (Chris Meledandri) is creatively going to try to help us figure out how to resurrect Shrek and take a lot of the existing DreamWorks franchises and add value as we create new franchises.”

NBCUniversal hopes to not only develop new movies, but build theme park attractions and create new merchandise to “turn it into a different kind of business,” according toSteve Burke. As forShrek 5, it isn’t known ifChris Meledandriis working with writers to develop a story at this time, or who will be brought on to direct quite yet. While it still is very early,Shrek 5may very well hit theaters sooner rather than later.

Long before DreamWorks Animation’s acquisition, CEOJeffrey Katzenberghad long teased that aShrek sequelwas in the works. The first four movies, and the 2011 spinoffPuss and Boots, have earned $1.4 billion at the domestic box office and $3.5 billion worldwide. It’s worth noting thatShrek and Donkeyreturned earlier this year in a Snickers commercial that tied into the release ofKung Fu Panda 3. Stay tuned for more on the future of theShrekfranchise as soon as more information comes in.