Summary
- Shrek franchise comeback with Shrek 5 release
- Older core audience poses challenge for Shrek 5
- Shrek 5 must emulate Toy Story's mature storyline
The decision to bring back the Shrek franchise after over a decade took most people by surprise when Shrek 5 was revealed for a December 23, 2026, release. However, there has been overwhelming excitement among filmgoers about the prospect of heading back to the fantasy world of Far Far Away made by DreamWorks.
The Shrek franchise has grossed over $2 billion worldwide, proving it has a genuine built-in audience. However, the previous four movies' success doesn't guarantee Shrek 5 will follow in the same direction, as the core audience that enjoyed these movies has all now grown up. However, if Shrek 5 takes an important lesson from another successful animation franchise, Pixar's Toy Story movies, then it could end up being a hit.
Shrek 5 Is Reportedly Taking A Major Risk With A Beloved Character That Will Disappoint Fans
Shrek 5 is going to take a real risk by leaving out a popular character from the franchise.
Shrek's Built-In Fanbase Has All Grown Up Now
Appealing To Them With Another Animated Movie Will Not Be A Simple Task
The Shrek franchise became a beloved one over the course of several movies due to its whimsical charm, bright scenery, and entertaining characters. The films tapped into various beloved fairytale stories while providing something fresh and unique at the time, which helped make the DreamWorks property stand out. Shrek 5 will now be appealing to a totally new audience, with younger viewers who may not have even been alive when the previous Shrek films were released. However, there is still a core audience of Shrek fans who grew up with these movies, and while appealing to them will be tricky, it's something that could make all the difference to the financial success of Shrek 5.
Children who grew up with the original movies are likely in their 20s and 30s at this point, which can make an animated film a difficult sell. However, with the right story, there's no doubt that all of them will want to see what Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona are going to do. Many of them will have children of their own, potentially creating an entirely new fanbase that could allow the franchise to live on beyond this movie.
Shrek 5 Needs To Provide A Mature Storyline Like Toy Story 3
Pixar's Beloved Franchise Has Developed And Grown Up With Its Audience
If Shrek 5 wants to appeal to its core audience, it must tap into something that the Toy Story franchise has done so well. While those movies are also primarily targeted at younger audiences, the people who have grown up with these Pixar films have been able to enjoy them just as much due to the stories that have been told. This is particularly true for Toy Story 3, as many original viewers grew up and aged alongside Andy. Therefore, they were facing the same dilemmas he had when it came to leaving home for college and having to leave behind his beloved possessions and childhood toys. The movies have always tackled serious topics, whether that's friends parting ways, togetherness, or feelings of loneliness. They're not easy things to pull off in a childhood animation, but the Toy Story franchise made it seem seamless.
The main characters within the Shrek universe are just as popular as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, and given that people are connected to them in the same manner, DreamWorks could pull off a similar achievement. Shrek 5 will focus on Shrek and Fiona's daughter, so there is already a family feel being set up that could be tapped into for older audiences to connect with, while other moments would be able to provide comedy for younger fans.
Shrek 5 Mustn't Just Be A Repeat Of The Same Comedic Tone
There Are Worries This Movie Will Lean Into Shrek's Online Subculture
While many of the older Shrek fans will be hoping for a slightly more serious movie from the Swamp this time, there's a concern that it might end up being the polar opposite. Over the years, Shrek has developed a strange internet subculture that has become obsessed with the ogre, taking the character in a totally different direction that's often inappropriate. The short teaser that was released earlier this year to reveal that release date hinted that Shrek 5 is going to lean heavily into the internet fandom of the character. Seeing Shrek dressed up in foolish outfits or looking to provide cheap, goofy laughs isn't the way forward for the movie. While giving a slight wink to that fandom would be wise, basing the entire plot around aspects of the internet would be a mistake. Not only are a large portion of people not aware of that subculture of Shrek, but those types of jokes would instantly become tired and old after a first watch. After five movies, DreamWorks should be looking to offer something more than just that. The old-school fans want a reason to connect with this world again, and following Toy Story's lead would be Shrek 5's best way of doing that.