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A fifth Shrek movie has been confirmed, plus a spin-off film dedicated to everyone’s favourite comedic character, Donkey – but where are the original cast now?
Since bursting onto screens 23 years ago, Shrek and his band of misfits have embarked on remarkable quests from saving Princess Fiona to battling the evil Fairy Godmother, all in the mystical kingdom of Far, Far Away.
And now the gang is set to make an epic return. Comedic legend Eddie Murphy, the voice behind Donkey, spoke about work being done on the fifth Shrek movie and even teased a future film. He told Collider: “We started doing [Shrek 5] months ago. I recorded the first act and we’ll be doing it this year, we’ll finish it up.
“Donkey’s gonna have his own movie. We’re gonna do Donkey as well. We’re doing a Donkey one next.”
Animation creative partner Chris Meledandri commented: “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.”
Fan excitement surged following the declaration on Entertainment Tonight’s Instagram feed, with devotees chiming in their delight. A hyped user said: “I’m literally watching Shrek right now. I love the Shrek movies.”
Here’s what the stars have been up to int he meantime.
Mike Myers – Shrek
Emmy-award winner Mike Myers scored big on-screen with his appearances on Saturday Night Live as well as in Cat in The Hat, Austin Powers, and Bohemian Rhapsody.
However, voicing the unforgettable Shrek is what placed him firmly in the spotlight. In a 2023 conversation with GQ, the actor said: “I loved playing Shrek. If I had to do one Shrek a year I’d be thrilled.”
In 2008, Myers took the lead role in The Love Guru, followed by Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds in 2009. A decade later, he showcased his talent in Bohemian Rhapsody and Terminal.
Away from the camera, he’s a Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast and took part in the Worldwide Dungeons and Dragons Game Day in 2005. He’s also an ice hockey fan, supporting Toronto Maple Leafs and has a passion for Liverpool FC. Based in New York City, Myers shares three kids with his wife Kelly Tisdale.
Eddie Murphy – Donkey
Murphy has a wealth of work on his plate for his beloved character, Donkey. Known for his roles in the blockbusters Beverly Hills Cops films, Dr Dolittle, Daddy Day Care, and the Nutty Professor, he has had great success as an actor.
In 2020, the comedian sparkled as the lead of the Christmas film Candy Cane Lane, and in 2021 he demonstrated his abilities in Coming 2 America. Born in New York, the actor-comedian earned a Golden Globe nod for his dual role of producer and actor in the film Dolemite is My Name in 2019.
Off-screen, the 63-year-old Murphy is a father to 10 children. He once dated Spice Girl Melanie Brown ‘Scary Spice’ and they share a daughter named Angel. He also has two children each with former partners Paulette McNeely and Tamara Hood, and five kids with his ex-wife Nicole Murphy.
Murphy has been engaged to his fiancee Paige Butcher for six years.
Cameron Diaz – Princess Fiona
Diaz is making her way back into the limelight. The actress was a Hollywood favourite throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
The blonde beauty was one of Charlie’s Angels and starred in There’s Something About Mary and My Best Friend’s Wedding before landing the role as Princess Fiona in Shrek. Since then she has featured in numerous blockbuster hits.
After playing Miss Hannigan in Annie in 2017, she took a break from acting. During this hiatus, she launched wine company Avaline in 2020, in partnership with entrepreneur Katherine Power. That same year, she welcomed her daughter Raddix, and in March this year, her son Cardinal was born.
She frequently shares updates about her life, wine company, and cooking tips on her Instagram page.
Antonio Banderaz – Puss in Boots
It’s only been two years since Antonio starred in the film Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. The film was nominated for the Best Animated Feature Academy Award.
The Spanish actor has graced major productions such as Philadelphia, The Mask of Zorro, and Once Upon a Time In Mexico. Just a year before Shrek, he made his Broadway debut in Nine and bagged a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
Banderas was previously linked with Melanie Griffith, and the couple have a daughter named Stella. The 63 year old is currently seeing Nicole Kimpel.
John Lithgow – Lord Farquaad
John had already carved out an impressive career long before his role in Shrek. After the original film’s release, John went on to play Barney Stinson’s dad in How I Met Your Mother, featured in the drama Dexter in 2009, and portrayed Winston Churchill in Netflix’s The Crown for three years.
The New York-born actor tied the knot with his wife and UCLA professor Mary Yeager back in the 1980s, and the couple have two children together.