‘Shrek 5’ Adds Marcello Hernández and Skyler Gisondo as Ogre Sons

DreamWorks Animation expands the ‘Shrek’ family with two new voice cast members voicing the ogre triplets’ sons. Marcello Hernández and Skyler Gisondo join as Fergus and Farkle, the brothers to Zendaya’s Felicia. The announcement coincides with Thanksgiving, featuring a social media video of the actors in character.

The video shows Hernández in green body paint mimicking an ogre, alongside Gisondo wearing a green ‘Shrek’ hat and ears. Captions read “The Brogres have entered the chat,” highlighting their triplet roles first introduced as infants in ‘Shrek Forever After.’ Universal Pictures confirms the additions, building on the franchise’s $2.9 billion global earnings.

Returning voices include Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Fiona. Zendaya’s casting as Felicia was revealed earlier through a teaser trailer depicting a teenage daughter in Far Far Away. Antonio Banderas reprises Puss in Boots, linking to the 2022 spin-off ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.’

Directors Walt Dohrn, Conrad Vernon, and Brad Ableson helm the project. Dohrn contributed to story on ‘Shrek 2’ and ‘Shrek the Third,’ while Vernon voiced the Gingerbread Man across films. Ableson co-directed ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru.’ Production emphasizes family dynamics, evolving the triplets from one-year-olds to adolescents.

Hernández, known for ‘Saturday Night Live’ sketches, appears in ‘Happy Gilmore 2′ and the upcoming ’72 Hours.’ He also joins the fourth ‘Meet the Parents’ film as Ben Stiller and Teri Polo’s son. Gisondo portrayed Jimmy Olsen in James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ and featured in ‘Licorice Pizza’ and ‘Booksmart.’

The ‘Shrek’ series, launched in 2001, includes four main films and two ‘Puss in Boots’ spin-offs. It inspired a Broadway musical and attractions at Universal Studios parks. The fifth installment targets a June 30, 2027, release through Universal Pictures.

A post-credits scene in ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ teased the return, showing Puss sailing to Far Far Away. No full plot details emerge yet, but the narrative centers on Shrek’s family life post-alternate-reality events in ‘Shrek Forever After.’ DreamWorks prioritizes rebooting the series under Illumination head Chris Meledandri.

The casting bolsters the ensemble, blending veteran performers with rising talents. Hernández and Gisondo’s involvement adds comedic energy to the ogre offspring. Universal’s strategy aims to attract multigenerational audiences, leveraging the franchise’s enduring appeal.

Fan reactions flood social media, praising the “brothers” dynamic. The announcement video garners thousands of views within hours. DreamWorks teases further updates, including potential trailer reveals in 2026.

The film’s animation advances from prior entries, incorporating enhanced CGI for character expressions. Voice recording sessions occurred at Glendale studios, with remote options for cast availability. Universal confirms no changes to the core creative team amid production.

‘Shrek 5’ positions as a milestone, marking 26 years since the original. It follows spin-offs maintaining momentum, with ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ earning $485 million worldwide. The sequel promises to explore themes of growth and legacy in the fairy-tale world.