Universal Assigns Illumination Head To Bring Back Shrek and Puss in Boots

Variety reports that Universal has assigned Illumination Entertainment’s Chris Meledandri to come up with a way to bring back the Shrek and Puss in Boots franchises. He is expected to find new storylines to somehow bring the characters back. Meledandri is also hoping to get the original voice cast back, which included Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas.

He said: “When you look back on those vocal performances they’re awesome, and while you certainly could make a case for a complete reinvention, I find myself responding to my own nostalgic feelings of wanting to go back to those characterizations. The challenge for us has been to find something that really does feel like it’s not simply yet another film in a series of sequels.”

Universal’s parent company, Comcast, bought Dreamworks Animation in 2016 for $3.8 billion, which included the lovable green ogre. While there were rumors Meledandri would oversee the property, he said he couldn’t manage two companies and still maintain his usual level of quality.

He added: “The way in which I work with my team to make movies is very intensive and hands-on, and it really doesn’t allow me the opportunity to think about running a second operation. I love the process of making films and working with artists. I don’t think I’m particularly great at managing companies. There’s a tremendous amount of fun to be had in that world, but it’s a high bar to find a story that’s truly world. You want to find something in the narrative that really feels like a departure.“