The last year has seen some truly wonderful animated films hit theaters, and this definitely has us wondering about the futures of some of our favorite animated franchises. Although the Shrek series has pretty much been on ice since 2010's Shrek Forever After, it now seems that the series is pressing forward with a fifth installment. In fact, it Mike Myers has even tapped a frequent Austin Powers collaborator to help develop the story. Mike Mitchell, director of the new film Trolls, explained:
They've got a pretty good story. It's being written by Michael McCullers who wrote all of the Austin Powers films. He came up with a really great idea that they're exploring.
While sitting down with The Hollywood News to promote the upcoming release of Trolls, Mike Mitchell admitted that the fifth Shrek film has already enlisted a writer to bring the movie to life. Apparently Mike Myers has brought Michael McCullers on board to pen the script and develop the story for the upcoming sequel. As noted by Mitchell, McCullers' involvement in the project is notable because he has already worked with Myers on the Austin Powers franchise. The film is poised to deliver laughs, no matter what.
A reunion between Mike Myers and Michael McCullers could potentially bode very will for a fifth Shrek movie. As a frequent collaborator with Myers, the screenwriter clearly has an acute understanding of the actor's comedic sensibilities, timing, and voice. Even if he hasn't written dialogue for the grumpy green ogre before, an intimate knowledge of how Mike Myers operates will help bring the story together nicely. If he can write Fat Bastard, then he can write Shrek.
Bringing in a writer from the Austin Powers franchise also seems like a strong indication that the next Shrek movie will appeal equally to children and adults. Both the Shrek franchise and the Austin Powers franchise established themselves for their perfect balance of witty dialogue and infantile humor. However, it's also worth noting that Michael McCullers' writing jobs are not limited to the PG-13 spy spoof genre. In addition to the Austin Powers movies, the screenwriter also has credits on Mr. Peabody & Sherman, as well as the upcoming films The Boss Baby and Hotel Transylvania 3. Don't worry, parents; the family friendly Shrek franchise remains in good hands with this guy.
With Shrek 5 in development, there's only one thing left to wish for from this collaboration: another Austin Powers movie. Mike Myers has made no secret of the fact that he's willing to dust off the Shrek franchise, as well as the Wayne's World series. If he really wants to go for the trifecta, he should don the glasses, bad teeth, and puffy shirts of everyone's favorite bumbling, British spy.
We will bring you more information related to Shrek 5 as new details become available to us. The film is expected to hit theaters in 2019.
