Shrek Goes Fourth

DreamWorks SKG has produced some notable films in the last ten years. Their animated line of movies for children has gone up against rivals such as Disney and Warner Bros. Though not always winning in each match, the company's animated studio often comes out with a hefty profit margin.

In 2001, the studio produced Shrek, the tale of an ogre who wins the heart of a princess. Perhaps an unlikely scenario, and an even more unlikely hit, Shrek scored big with its witty humor and shameless lampoons of almost every fairy tale and fairy tale film to date. The film even parodied Babe when Shrek said, "That'll do, Donkey. That'll do."

Three years later, the sequel Shrek 2 garnered even more acclaim. In another three years, DreamWorks would give us yet another sequel, Shrek the Third. While not as widely praised as the previous two, Third proved to be a success. But in 2007, while Shrek the Third was fresh on our minds and still in theaters, DreamWorks released plans for more in the franchise.

Two more films have been planned, but only the first has reached the producer's table. The name Shrek Goes Fourth was applied as pre-production took shape. Jeffrey Katzenberg, former Disney artist and co-founder of DreamWorks SKG, released only a few details about the film's plot. A writer and director were quickly secured.(1)

Shrek and Fiona returned to their swamp in Third to leave the pressures of the kingdom in other hands and to raise their family. Fourth will likely pick up here, but released details mention another tack. Fourth will delve into Shrek's history, where he came from, what's happened to him, and most importantly, how he came to live in that old, familiar swamp.(2)

Cameron Diaz insisted that the story anchor itself in eco-friendly terms, dealing with a threatened swamp.(3) Shrek's swamp? Most likely. Exact cast details have yet to be confirmed, but former Beetles member Sir Paul McCartney has been selected to lend his voice.(4)

In keeping with the franchise's three-year-release rule, Shrek Goes Fourth will open May 21, 2010. The currently unnamed fifth film is slated for release in 2013,(5) unless Fourth proves a losing fight. Either way, the big, green guy will return to theaters, and much sooner than we realize.

SOURCES CONSULTED

(1) http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=20254

(2) http://www.filmstalker.co.uk/archives/2007/05/dreamworks_confirms_shrek_4_an.html

(3) http://www.newsbusters.org/node/12646

(4) http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a135082/mccartney-signs-up-for-shrek-4.html

(5) http://www.filmstalker.co.uk/archives/2007/05/dreamworks_confirms_shrek_4_an.html