Shrek 5 penned by Austin Powers writer in 'BIG reinvention’ – Will original cast return?

Following the success of the 2001 original, Shrek spawned three sequels, with Shrek Forever After: The Final Chapter being released in 2010.

Despite the forth film’s conclusive subtitle, the announcement of Shrek 5 hit headlines last summer with plans for a 2019 release.

Now Austin Powers screenwriter Michael McCullers has completed the Shrek 5 script.

Speaking with CinemaBlend about his new film, The Boss Baby, the writer gave a big update on the Dreamworks sequel.

He said: “I finished that script which I really, really, really love. It’s really personal to me.

“It’s got a pretty big reinvention behind it that I guess I can’t really reveal, but since DreamWorks was sold to Universal in that time for over $ 3 billion (£2.3 billion), I imagine they’re particularly interested in it stepping up and actually figuring out the future of the franchise in that way on the corporate level. 

“Reinvention was sort of called for. There [have] been four movies and a lot of material, so the characters are pretty beloved and they’re great characters, but you also have to think of a pretty new take at that point.”

Last year Ricky Martin told Express.co.uk that his favourite Livin’ La Vida Loca cover was the one performed in Shrek 2.

Whether the original cast will return for Shrek 5 is currently unknown, but perhaps there won’t be room for them if it’s such a huge change.

But with the raunchy humour of Austin Powers behind the comedy, will Shrek fans see a more adult take on the series? Fans will have to wait and see.