Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy are officially in talks to return for a fifth “Shrek” film at Universal Pictures.
Chris Meledandri, who runs Illumination which is about to launch “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” in cinemas, spoke with Variety and confirmed that offers are out to the original voice cast.
Meledandri, who serves as a creative partner to DreamWorks Animation, says: “We anticipate the cast coming back. Talks are starting now, and every indication that we’ve gotten is there’s tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return.”
Meledandri also saw Eddie Murphy’s comments from back in January where he enthusiastically said he’d love to do another “Shrek” film and would be up for a Donkey spin-off.
He responded saying: “It’s evidence of his strong enthusiasm for a role that he so brilliantly inhabited and really created alongside the artists at DreamWorks. I found that comment to be very exciting.” Asked if Donkey is a strong enough character to support its own film, Meledandri says: “Without question.”
Dreamworks is coming off the “Shrek” spin-off sequel “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” which has drawn some of the best reviews for any animated feature over the past few years and a strong box-office success.
Illumination meanwhile is developing “a couple of scripts” set within the world of “The Secret Life of Pets” according to Meledandri, as well as a third “Sing” film.
