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Shrek Forever After

Shrek Forever After is a 2010 American animated fantasy comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Mike Mitchell.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Shrek Forever After is a 2010 American animated fantasy comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Mike Mitchell. It is the fourth installment in the Shrek franchise and follows Shrek after he makes a deal with Rumpelstiltskin that leads to an alternate timeline.

Plot

Shrek grows dissatisfied with domestic life and signs a deal with Rumpelstiltskin to feel like a feared ogre again. The bargain erases his existence and creates a dark alternate timeline, forcing him to restore the original reality by winning Fiona’s love again.

Production

The film was produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Mike Mitchell from a screenplay by Josh Klausner and Darren Lemke. Gina Shay and Teresa Cheng served as producers. It continues the main Shrek continuity after Shrek the Third.

Cast and characters

The main voice cast includes Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Fiona, Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots, Julie Andrews as Queen Lillian, and John Cleese as King Harold.

Release and reception

Shrek Forever After was released theatrically on May 21, 2010. It was distributed by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures. The film is rated PG and is listed as a kids-and-family comedy, adventure, fantasy, and animated film by Rotten Tomatoes.

Key facts

  • It is the fourth film in the Shrek film series.
  • The story centers on Shrek making a magical deal with Rumpelstiltskin and entering an alternate reality where he was never born.
  • The film features returning voice actors Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, and John Cleese.
  • The film was released theatrically on May 21, 2010.
  • Rotten Tomatoes lists it as a kids-and-family comedy, adventure, fantasy, and animated film with a PG rating.

Frequently asked questions

What is Shrek Forever After about?
It follows Shrek after he makes a deal with Rumpelstiltskin that erases his existence and creates an alternate timeline, forcing him to restore his life and relationship with Fiona.
Is Shrek Forever After the same as Shrek 4?
Yes. It is the fourth film in the Shrek series and is commonly referred to as Shrek 4.
Who directed Shrek Forever After?
Mike Mitchell directed the film.
When was Shrek Forever After released?
It was released theatrically on May 21, 2010.
Who voices Shrek in the film?
Mike Myers voices Shrek.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrek_Forever_After
    Supports: Basic film identification, release year, director, writers, cast, franchise placement, and plot overview.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/shrek_forever_after
    Supports: Director, producers, screenwriters, distributor, production company, rating, genre, release date, and runtime.
  3. DreamWorks — https://www.dreamworks.com/movies/shrek-forever-after
    Supports: Official synopsis, main cast, and premise involving Rumpelstiltskin and alternate timeline.