Shrek Icon Wants Return In Fifth Film And Fans Agree
The original Shrek movie used its boppy soundtrack to remind us of the wisdom of Smash Mouth: namely, that the years start coming and they don’t stop coming. This pop culture prophecy has now come full circle, and we’re set to get a fifth cinematic installment of everybody’s favorite green ogre. Fans have been wondering if Shrek 5 will see the return of John Lithgow, and he recently clarified in an interview with People that he would “say yes in a minute” if he received such an offer.
John Lithgow Would Return In Shrek 5
In the first movie, the actor memorably voiced Shrek’s antagonist, the diminutive dictator Lord Farquaad, who gets his just deserts by the end of the film. Unfortunately, that plot development is the primary reason that Shrek 5 will likely not feature John Lithgow despite his willingness to return. “It turns out it’s impossible to recover from being eaten by a dragon,” he quipped.
Fans longing to see the return of this character have pointed out that it might be possible for the character to return via flashbacks or memories. It’s been 14 years since the last film and 23 years since the first, so it would make sense for the fifth film to be filled with nostalgia for its roots. Lithgow was a huge part of why that initial movie succeeded, and we’re among the many fans who would be happy to see him return in one form or another.
A Possible Way For Lord Farquaad To Return
There is another possibility for Shrek 5 to feature John Lithgow, but it would involve returning to a part of the franchise most people have never experienced. In 2003, Universal Studios debuted Shrek 4-D, a simulator ride that portrayed Shrek and Donkey trying to save Fiona from the vengeful ghost of Lord Farquaad, who was once again voiced by Lithgow.
The animation has since been released on home video, and though it ends with Farquaad getting killed by the dragon yet again, we wouldn’t be surprised if his ghost nonetheless finds his malicious way back to the land of the living.
It’s always fun to swap theories about how our favorite dead characters might return, but there is a more ironclad reason to believe that Shrek 5 won’t bring John Lithgow’s character back. In that same People interview, the acclaimed actor tried to stop the rumor mill before it could even get started, stating firmly that “I know nothing about it and no, I’m not a part of it.” It’s possible that the Emmy-winning actor is just playing coy, but in all likelihood, this latest installment will be completely Farquaad-free.
Shrek 5
While Shrek 5 won’t have John Lithgow in it, the movie does promise to be a blast from the past in other ways, including the return of Mike Myers and his fellow Saturday Night Live alumnus Eddie Murphy. Even Cameron Diaz is set to return, which is a real treat for fans of the actor…she previously retired from acting for a decade to focus on her family, but she is back and ready to be everyone’s favorite cinematic princess once again. Now, we can only hope that fans see this fifth film (out July 1, 2026) like Shrek saw Fiona: as something worth saving.
Source: People
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