In the immortal words of Donkey: “Oh my God! It’s happening… it’s really happening!” One year out from the return to Far, Far Away, DreamWorks Animation has released the first proper teaser trailer for Shrek 5, directed by Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon. And if first impressions are anything to go by, life hasn’t gotten any simpler for the world’s favourite ogre.
The Shrek 5 teaser hits all of the familiar notes. A storybook opening, Eddie Murphy in full Donkey mode, and the unholy trio of Shrek and Fiona’s now not-so-little kids: Felicia (Zendaya), Fergus (Marcello Hernandez), and Farkle (Skyler Gisondo). The twist? The whole family, Donkey included, appears to be heading back to Far, Far Away via a jail cell. Whatever they’ve done to deserve it, the trailer isn’t saying.
What it does offer: a gruff alley snowman offering the world’s least charming romantic proposition. What looks like a callback to Shrek 2’s beloved K.N.I.G.H.T.S/COPS gag. And of course the return of Gingy, now, in the film’s own words, “caked up like a friggin’ bakery.”
For anyone fretting that fifteen years away from the franchise might have dulled its irreverence, the answer appears to be a firm no. Though it should be noted that every character has been noticeably smoothed and polished to a gleaming, suspiciously yassified finish.
Now for the finer details. An exact release date, and whatever the actual plot turns out to be, remain under wraps for now. The project was first teased in the post-credits of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and sees Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy all returning. Alongside of course a whole slate of new additions. On the strength of this trailer alone, the swamp is calling. Shrek is love. Shrek is life.
