It has been almost 15 years since the last Shrek film came out, meaning the hype surrounding Shrek 5 is high, but I would much rather see other sequels from DreamWorks. As its тιтle suggests, the upcoming animated fantasy comedy will serve as the fifth Shrek movie, but is also the seventh installment in the entire Shrek franchise (which includes the Puss in Boots spinoffs). Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey are set to return in the film, which is undoubtedly exciting. However, that doesn’t mean that DreamWorks Animation doesn’t have other movies that could use sequels.
Shrek 5 is scheduled to premiere in theaters on December 23, 2026 — 16 years after Shrek Forever After‘s release and four years following the debut of the franchise’s last film, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
As of the writing of this article, DreamWorks has released 50 films. Many of these are sequels or reboots of the animation production studio’s most popular and successful projects. Six of the 50 movies are in the Shrek franchise — Shrek, Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, Shrek Forever After, Puss in Boots, and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. It’s time for DreamWorks to spread the love around and continue some of its other stories.
5
The Wild Robot
Release Date: September 27, 2024
One of DreamWorks’ most recent hits is The Wild Robot, a sci-fi film about a robot stranded on an uninhabited island, surrounded by various animals. The Wild Robot grossed over $318 million at the box office and was nominated for many awards (including Best Animated Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards), making it a critical and commercial success. If any Dreamworks movie deserves a sequel, it’s The Wild Robot.
The good news is that DreamWorks has ordered a sequel to The Wild Robot, and it’s currently in development (per ᴅᴇᴀᴅline). Its achievements make the decision to produce another movie easy. Unfortunately, a release date for The Wild Robot sequel hasn’t been announced, and nothing is known about it other than the fact that it’s happening. Despite this, I’m much more eager to see The Wild Robot 2 than Shrek 5.
4
Orion And The Dark
Release Date: February 2, 2024
Orion and the Dark isn’t as popular as The Wild Robot, partially because it was released on Netflix instead of in theaters. However, the 2024 fantasy adventure comedy is still worthy of a sequel. Netflix’s animated movie Orion and the Dark is based on Emma Yarlett’s 2014 book of the same name, which tells the story of a young boy named Orion, who is afraid of the dark. One day, Orion comes face to face with a personification of the dark, and they go on a wild journey together.
Unfortunately, an Orion and the Dark sequel isn’t in the works. Director Sean Charmatz and producer Peter McCown expressed their hopes for a second film while speaking with Comicbook.com. They reportedly even had ideas for a sequel. Nevertheless, it has been over one year since Orion and the Dark‘s premiere and Netflix hasn’t commented on potentially continuing the story.
3
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
Release Date: December 21, 2022
Although Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is in the Shrek film series, it deserves an exception because of how good it is. While Shrek 5 isn’t too compelling, a Puss in Boots: The Last Wish sequel would increase my excitement tenfold. The 2022 animated adventure comedy features the return of Antonio Banderas as the fan-favorite Shrek character, Puss in Boots, and was a certified critical and commercial success. It grossed over $485 million and has a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. So, if any Shrek movie needs a sequel, it’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
|
Shrek Movies |
Release Date |
Rotten Tomatoes Scores |
|---|---|---|
|
Shrek |
May 18, 2001 |
88% |
|
Shrek 2 |
May 19, 2004 |
89% |
|
Shrek the Third |
May 18, 2007 |
41% |
|
Shrek Forever After |
May 21, 2010 |
58% |
|
Puss in Boots |
October 28, 2011 |
86% |
|
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish |
December 21, 2022 |
95% |
|
Shrek 5 |
December 23, 2026 |
N/A |
From its captivating, unique animation style to its comedic and heartfelt story, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish has it all. Perhaps DreamWorks shouldn’t ruin a good thing by ordering another film. However, the minds behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish have more than proven their worth as filmmakers, making it easier to trust that they would create an outstanding sequel.
2
Abominable
Release Date: September 27, 2019
Yes, Abominable has a sequel TV series, but it still deserves and needs a second movie. The 2019 adventure movie follows Yi, a teenage girl who befriends a Yeti, whom she names Everest. Throughout Abominable, Yi and her friends go on a journey to reunite Everest with his family, avoiding the people who want to capture him.
Despite its sequel series, Abominable has much more potential and stories to tell.
Ultimately, the film didn’t perform as well as other DreamWorks projects at the box office. Abominable received positive reviews, though, resulting in the Peacock follow-up show Abominable and the Invisible City. Despite its sequel series, Abominable has much more potential and stories to tell.
1
Bee Movie
Release Date: November 2, 2007
Bee Movie wasn’t exactly a success (at the box office or with critics) at the time of its release in 2007, which is why DreamWorks never ordered a sequel. Almost a decade later, though, the animated comedy garnered a cult following. There is no better time for DreamWorks to circle back to Bee Movie than the present, even though most of the attention surrounding the camp film is thanks to memes. As long as the production studio is in on the joke, a Bee Movie sequel isn’t a want — it’s a need (as opposed to Shrek 5).
Sources: ᴅᴇᴀᴅline, Comicbook.com
