Universal Reportedly Rebooting the Shrek Universe with Chris Meledandri Attached

According to reports from Variety, Universal is planning a reboot of the DreamWorks “Shrek” universe, focusing on both Shrek and Puss in Boots. The project is said to be overseen by Chris Meledandri, the founder and owner of Illumination Entertainment. The move would mark a major effort to refresh two of DreamWorks Animation’s most recognizable franchises for a new generation of viewers.

Sources indicate that Meledandri has been tasked with guiding the reboot and that he hopes to bring back the original voice cast where possible. That original ensemble includes Mike Myers as Shrek, Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona, Eddie Murphy as Donkey and Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots. Reports emphasize that the intent is to reunite the familiar voices and personalities that helped define the franchise, while updating the storytelling and visual approach to appeal to today’s audiences.

The Shrek and Puss in Boots franchises have been among DreamWorks Animation’s most enduring properties. The most recent mainline Shrek film, Shrek Forever After, was released in 2010, and the standalone Puss in Boots film followed in 2011. Since then, the characters have remained popular in pop culture, merchandising and theme park appearances, even as DreamWorks and its parent companies have evolved.

In 2016, DreamWorks Animation was acquired by Comcast — the parent company of Universal — in a deal valued at approximately $3.8 billion. That acquisition brought DreamWorks into closer alignment with Universal Pictures and its broader corporate family. Universal also maintains a stake in Illumination Entertainment, the studio Meledandri founded, which is best known for films such as the Despicable Me series and other family-oriented animated features.

While Meledandri has been linked to the reboot and is reportedly overseeing the creative direction, he has previously stated that he was not interested in taking over DreamWorks itself. The current reports frame his role more narrowly: applying his expertise in family animation and franchise development to shepherd a reboot that can build on the strengths of the original films while modernizing tone, design and narrative for contemporary audiences.

What a reboot could look like has not been officially detailed. Industry observers suggest a few likely elements: updated animation techniques, a refreshed marketing strategy to reach younger viewers, and potential new storylines that preserve the humor and heart of the originals while introducing fresh perspectives. Reboots sometimes also explore tonal shifts, spin-offs or origin stories for popular characters — options that a Shrek/Puss in Boots revival could examine.

Universal and DreamWorks will face a familiar challenge: balancing respect for the original films and their fan base with the need to innovate. Fans who grew up with the early 2000s releases may expect continuity in voice talent and character dynamics, while new audiences will be drawn by contemporary animation style, pacing and themes that resonate today. Bringing back the original voice cast, if achievable, would provide continuity and credibility; updating scripts and visuals would help the franchise remain culturally relevant.

Separately, Illumination Entertainment expanded its release slate around the same period. The studio released its animated interpretation of The Grinch worldwide on Friday, November 9, 2018. That film demonstrated Illumination’s capacity to reimagine classic properties for modern family audiences — experience that would be directly relevant to overseeing a Shrek universe reboot.

Universal’s reported plans for a Shrek and Puss in Boots reboot signal a renewed interest in leveraging well-known animated IP to capture multi-generational audiences. With an industry veteran like Chris Meledandri reportedly attached, the project appears positioned to combine franchise legacy with contemporary production and marketing strategies. As details remain limited, fans and industry watchers will be looking for official announcements about casting, creative teams, and a prospective production timeline.

Until Universal or DreamWorks releases formal confirmation, reports should be treated as early-stage information. Still, the prospect of a professionally guided reboot that aims to honor the original films while expanding their appeal suggests the Shrek universe may soon return to the big screen for a new era of viewers.