Illumination Entertainment’s CEO Chris Meledandri sat for an interview with Variety for The Super Mario Bros. Movie promotions releasing on April 5. He also teased several new movies and sequels including follow-ups to his Sing and Secret Life of Pets franchises, as well as original movies like this fall’s Migration. He also mentioned Shrek 5 and Donkey spinoff as the creative partner of DreamWorks Animation.
Chris Meledandri shared his ambitions of furthering the universe of many successful franchises. He shared that the team at Illumination Entertainment is working to format a plan for various movies including Sing, and Secret Life of Pets.
He also shared his hopes to reassemble the original cast of Shrek including Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy for another film and create a Donkey spinoff. Without further ado let’s check out the 5 films Meledandri teased in his interview with Variety.
1) Shrek 5
Meledandri revealed that he wishes to bring fan’s favorite Shrek for its fifth installment with the same cast. He explained that the film will walk a similar path as the Mario movie. They will take the core elements that audiences have loved, and do their very best to honor them. Furthermore, Illumination Entertainment’s team will build story elements and new characters that can take the audience on a new journey with the movie.
He also mentioned that the original cast is a huge element for a sequel. Although nothing is announced, Meledandri confirmed that negotiations with the actors are underway. If they go well then fans can expect to see Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy back for Shrek 5.
2) Donkey spinoff
Following the success of the 2022 Shrek spinoff sequel Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Eddie Murphy expressed his willingness to work on another Shrek movie in January. He also said that he loves Donkey and he would be willing to work with the makers for a Donkey movie. He also mentioned that Donkey is funnier than Puss in Boots. Although Murphy loves Puss in Boots, he believes it isn’t as funny as the Donkey.
Meledandri expressed feeling ‘thrilled’ when he read Murphy’s comments. When asked about his thoughts regarding a Donkey spinoff focusing on the character, he confirmed that Donkey can support its own film. Meledandri also suggested that It could be similar to the fighting feline spinoffs starring Antonio Banderas.
3) The Secret Life of Pets 3
Further in the interview, Meledandri teased other animated movie projects that Illumination Entertainment is thinking about. He shared that they are looking for a fresh way to return to the world of dogs, cats, and various other domesticated animals. He confirmed that they’re developing a couple of scripts for The Secret Life of Pets. Despite not being ready to start a film, he shared that they’re continuing to develop that franchise.
Talking about it more, Meledandri shared that one of the movie plots that Illumination Entertainment’s developing involves a primary character from the first two films. The sequel may also introduce a new set of characters. Additionally, they are weaving a plot for the ensemble hence they’re planning multiple things.
4) Sing 3
Meledandri also shared an update on Sing 3 saying they’re deep in development. The new installment of his hit series about a group of animals competing in a talent competition will involve characters from the original cast, but a completely new world. Sing 2 yielded more than $400 million at the box office and was the third highest-streamed movie in the U.S. in 2022.
However, Meledandri said that Illumination Entertainment doesn’t simply note the box office figures. The team keeps track of the audience’s response in different ways to determine a sequel. The streaming success of Sing 2 worked as a signal from the fans that they want to stay in the world with Sing 3.
5) Migration
Another project Melendandri talked about is Migration written by The White Lotus creator Mike White and directed by Ernest and Celestine’s Benjamin Renner. The film’s trailer will launch with Super Mario Bros. Movie and share more about its details. As per the plot details, Migration will follow a family of ducks who find themselves at odds with the weather warming.
Meledandri shared that the film is different from anything they’ve done at Illumination Entertainment. It will feature a human story told with humor and heart. He promised that the movie will transport fans into the world of ducks, but at the same time remain relatable.
Apart from these five, Illumination Entertainment has also teamed with Pierre Coffin, the writer-director of the Despicable Me films, for two short series. They will premiere on TikTok in May followed by YouTube One release. The first film is Who’s Who and it is set in the world of Minions. Meanwhile, the other, Bones Story, will tell a completely original tale.
