It’s been known for some time that Shrek Forever After, the fourth and final installment in the Shrek series, is in the works, but very little had been said about what exactly the last film would focus on.
The third film ended with the birth of Shrek and Fiona’s ogre-babies, so it could be assumed that the fourth movie would follow up on the family life of the Shrek clan.
Well, plot details have finally come out, and Shrek Forever After does follow Shrek’s life as family man, but not in the most happily-ever-after way.
Instead, Shrek feels he has become too domesticated. The ogre that used to send villagers running in terror has become a local celebrity, with those who were formerly afraid of him seeking autographs from the big green guy.
Shrek strikes a deal with Rumpelstiltskin to get his edge back which, if you know the story of Rumpelstiltskin, really isn’t the best idea. Of course the deal doesn’t go how it’s supposed to, and Shrek ends up having to face what life in the Kingdom of Far Far Away would be like if he had never existed.
Mike Meyers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, and Antonio Banderas are all returning to their respective roles of Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and Puss in Boots (who will have a feature movie of his own coming out in 2011).
Of course, Shrek Forever After will also feature a batch of new characters to complement the old. Walt Dohrn, head of story for the film, will be voicing Rumpelstiltskin, Kathy Griffin and Flight of the Conchords‘ Kristin Schaal will be playing ogre-hunting witches, and Mad Men’s Jon Hamm will voice the ogre leader of an underground resistance group.
While director Mike Mitchell says he hates to give away the ending, he does confirm that Shrek Forever After ends with everyone living happily-ever-after.
Shrek Forever After hits theaters on May 21, and will be the first of the Shrek films to come out in 3D.
