Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation today announced the U.S. theatrical re-release of the Academy Award-nominated comedy Shrek 2, in celebration of the film’s 20th anniversary. The animated classic, directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon, will return to theaters nationwide on April 12.
Tickets for the re-release are available for purchase starting today (Friday, March 8) on Fandango and through theater ticketing sites nationwide. Additionally, audiences can catch the new re-release trailer in theaters from today.
“The enduring popularity of Shrek 2 and the Shrek franchise is a testament to its universal appeal and timeless storytelling,” said Margie Cohn, President of DreamWorks Animation. “We are thrilled to partner with Universal in celebrating this milestone anniversary by inviting audiences to rediscover their love for Shrek and the fantastical world of Far Far Away.”
Continuing on from the heroic rescue of the first film, the sequel starts with Shrek (voice of Mike Myers) and Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) happily settled into married life in the swamp; at least until Donkey (Eddie Murphy) shows up. When Fiona’s parents, the King and Queen of Far, Far Away (John Cleese and Julie Andrews) learn of her marriage, the couple are invited to celebrate at the palace. But the vain Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) and scheming Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders) set out to split up the unconventional fairy tale couple. The voice cast also features Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots
Upon its original release in May 2004, Shrek 2 shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing U.S. opening weekend for an animated film of all time. To date, the film has earned a staggering $928 million worldwide. Following the unprecedented success of Shrek and Shrek 2, DreamWorks Animation continued to expand the Shrek universe with Shrek the Third (2007), Shrek Forever After (2010), Oscar-nominated Puss in Boots (2011) and Oscar-nominated Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022), developing it into the second-highest-grossing animated franchise of all time (more than $2.9 billion worldwide).
In addition to its commercial triumphs, Shrek 2 garnered critical acclaim, earning Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature Film and Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song.
“The Shrek franchise has become a cultural touchstone and has brought joy to audiences around the world for more than two decades,” said Jim Orr, President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution for Universal Pictures. “Its impact on popular culture has been profound, transcending generations, and it continues to resonate with viewers long after its initial release. So, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Shrek 2, we’re excited to bring this iconic film back to the big screen.”
