Shrek 5 is happening! The sequel is 'in development' and talks are underway for stars Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy to return

By ALESIA STANFORD FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: | Updated:

Shrek 5 is in development.

Mike Myers will need to start practicing his Scottish brogue.  The actor, 59, who may be considering a return to the Austin Powers franchise, is in talks to reprise his role as the beloved but grumpy ogre Shrek. 

In an interview with Variety, Chris Meledandri, 63, the founder and CEO of Illumination, confirmed that although no one has yet signed on the dotted line, talks are underway with Mike, as well as Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy to reprise their voice roles as Fiona and Donkey for another Shrek adventure.

Illumination has been working as a creative partner with Dreamworks on The Super Mario Bros Movie which was set to open Friday, April 4, and on the upcoming Shrek 5.  

'We anticipate the cast coming back,' the executive said.

Shrek 5: Plans for Shrek 5 are underway, Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri confirmed in an interview with Variety

Shrek 5: Plans for Shrek 5 are underway, Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri confirmed in an interview with Variety

Original cast: No one has yet signed on the dotted line, talks are underway with Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy to reprise their voice roles as Shrek,Fiona and Donkey for another adventure (pictured in New York in April 2010)

Original cast: No one has yet signed on the dotted line, talks are underway with Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy to reprise their voice roles as Shrek,Fiona and Donkey for another adventure (pictured in New York in April 2010)

'Talks are starting now, and every indication that we’ve gotten is there’s tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return,' he added.

The first Shrek, released in 2001, was a huge success and won the Oscar for Best Animated feature. 

Meledandri said he was thrilled when he read comments to the outlet from Murphy in, who said he would be game for a Donkey spin-off, after the success of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

The animated adventure starring Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek has earned $478 million, so far. 

'If [DreamWorks] ever came with another Shrek,' the 62-year-old actor said, 'I’d do it in two seconds.'

Speaking about the character he has given voice to in four animated adventures thus far, the funnyman said, 'I love Donkey. '

'They did Puss In Boots movies. I was like, "They should have done a Donkey movie."'

'Donkey is funnier than Puss in Boots,' the star contended. 'I mean, I love Puss in Boots, but he ain’t funny as the Donkey.'

Franchise: The first Shrek, released in 2001, was a huge success and won the Oscar for Best Animated feature. Since then, three other films in the franchise have been released

Franchise: The first Shrek, released in 2001, was a huge success and won the Oscar for Best Animated feature. Since then, three other films in the franchise have been released 

Donkey: Murphy expressed his interest in returning to Shrek to Variety in January. The funnyman also said he would be interested in a Donkey spin-off contending, 'They did Puss in Boots movies. I was like, "They should have done a Donkey movie"'

Donkey: Murphy expressed his interest in returning to Shrek to Variety in January. The funnyman also said he would be interested in a Donkey spin-off contending, 'They did Puss in Boots movies. I was like, "They should have done a Donkey movie"'

Cameron Diaz, 50, stepped back from acting in 2014 and announced her retirement four years later. 

She has stepped back in front of the camera for an action short called Boss B**ch Fight Challenge.

Cameron's IMDB page indicated the actress has recently completed shooting an action comedy called Back in Action with Kyle Chandler, Jamie Foxx and Glenn Close.

The Netflix film is expected to be released sometime in 2024.

Retired: Diaz, who voiced Fiona, retired from acting several years ago, but has since stepped back in front of the camera for a new action comedy, Back in Action and is expected to return to the Shrek franchise; stock photo

Retired: Diaz, who voiced Fiona, retired from acting several years ago, but has since stepped back in front of the camera for a new action comedy, Back in Action and is expected to return to the Shrek franchise; stock photo

Cameron DiazEddie Murphy

Most watched News videos