The beloved ogre Shrek is set to return to the big screen with the highly anticipated fifth installment, but the excitement has been dampened by recent revelations about the cast. On March 14, 2025, renowned voice actor Alfonso Obregón, who has voiced Shrek for over two decades, confirmed his absence from the project, along with fellow cast members Eugenio Derbez and Dulce Guerrero, who have voiced Donkey and Fiona, respectively.
Obregón took to social media to share the disheartening news, stating, “Pos parece que ni Dulce, ni Eugenio, ni yo haremos Shrek 5,” which translates to, “It seems like neither Dulce, nor Eugenio, nor I will be doing Shrek 5.” This announcement has sent shockwaves through the Latin American fanbase, raising concerns about the film’s authenticity and its position within the franchise.
The Shrek series, which began its reign of popularity with the original film released in 2001, has built its success on the unique voices of its characters. The unforgettable performances by Obregón as Shrek, Derbez as Donkey, and Guerrero as Fiona have left audiences with cherished memories. The thought of another film without their familiar tones has led to skepticism among fans about how well the fifth installment will be received.
What has many fans worried is whether DreamWorks Animation, the studio behind Shrek, will recognize the contributions of its original voice actors. Prior to his announcement, Obregón had mentioned during interviews, including one on the YouTube channel Jeffar Vlogs, his concerns about the conditions of returning. He stated, “If the company does not communicate with me before and accept my conditions, I will not do it,” making clear his need for fair compensation and recognition for his work. He insisted on being paid adequately for his role and receiving acknowledgment during the film's screenings.
Derbez echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing his conditions for returning to the role. He expressed concern over the new executives at DreamWorks, pointing out, “The flexibility I had to create unique dubbing may not be acceptable anymore.” He also mentioned feeling undervalued as both recognition and appropriate payment have become pivotal factors for his participation.
What has added to the complexity of this situation is the release of the film's first teaser, which revealed character design changes. While some fans found the new designs exciting, others expressed disappointment, feeling they strayed too far from the original charm. Comments on social media ranged from bewilderment to outright anger, with some users urging DreamWorks to reconsider their casting decisions. They implored the studio, saying: "This cast is as important as the original" and "They’ve condemned the entire film for the Latin American audience.”
The official release date for Shrek 5 has been set for December 23, 2026, giving DreamWorks time to potentially resolve these casting issues. There are hopes among fans and industry insiders alike for some sort of agreement to be reached with these iconic voice actors, as the absence of their contributions could drastically impact the film’s appeal.
Yet, uncertainty looms. DreamWorks has yet to confirm whether it will hold discussions with the original cast, leaving many to speculate what direction the franchise will take without its hallmark voices. Obregón's comments hint at both hope and hesitation: “It is not yet definitively confirmed,” he stated, leaving the door open for potential negotiations.
Fans have not only displayed disappointment but also confusion. Some have pointed out parallels with other recent animated films where original cast members were replaced, resulting in mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike. Will Shrek 5 follow suit? The outpouring of support for the original cast hints at the strong emotional connection audiences have with their voices - connections built over years of film releases.
The dialogue around Shrek 5 continues to evolve, with followers passionately voicing their opinions on social media platforms, reiteratively urging DreamWorks to bring back what made the original film series successful.
While the original cast’s absence raises concerns about the film's fidelity and authenticity, it also brings to light questions about how much of the film’s legacy lies within its original voice talents. Fans are hopeful for yet-another sequel, but without the voices people have each come to love, many wonder what would be left of the iconic franchise.