Movies News Talk
Mike Myers is coming back for Shrek 5, but he also has to come back for two more movies. Dreamworks at last declared that the beloved Shrek franchise would go forward following a 14-year wait, with Shrek 5's release date set for 2020. The news confirmed that three of Shrek's original lead stars— Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Fiona, and Mike Myers as the title Shrek—would appear in Shrek 5.
Myers is once again in the pop culture dialogue with the much awaited Shrek sequel on horizon. Originally a cast member on Saturday Night Live, the adaptable actor became well-known for his characters from the sketch show remain some of their most famous. His comeback to the Shrek series ignites hopes for him to reinterpret some of his other classic roles and restore his reputation as a comedy master.
The film and television back catalog of Mike Myers is an odd mix of well-liked masterpieces and generally-panned failures. His most recent creation, the Netflix limited series The Pentaverate, has a 27% Rotten Tomatoes rating and received essentially negative reviews. Myers first developed some of the most identifiable 1990s and 2000s characters— Wayne Campbell of Wayne's World and its sequel, then with Austin Powers.
Myers developed his Wayne's World persona on Canadian television before turning it into a regular Saturday Night Live sketch. Playing best friends and heavy metal aficionados with cable access television show, he and his SNL co-star Dana Carvey The 1992 movie was a huge success; its 1993 follow-up was not exactly a flop.
Based on a Saturday Night Live sketch, Wayne's World ranks highest in grossing movies.
For Myers, the Austin Powers series was likewise a great success story. Poking fun at the sexism, obvious sexual innuendo, and one-note stock characters, the trilogy of movies was a sharp parodies of spy films from the 1960s. Since 2005, there have been whispers of a fourth Austin Powers movie featuring Myers and Jay Roach, the director of the franchise, saying they would be willing to come back to the series. Given the slow reaction to his most recent creations, Myers might be best suited to review Wayne's World and Austin Powers right now.
The Shrek universe is long gone in many respects, though. Since the last Shrek movie, animation techniques have changed and expectations of narrative have changed. The movie might finally collapse without a solid script. Although the Shrek films will always be loved family favorites, today's generation of children has far more entertainment choices than those of the '00s. Shrek 5 has some fierce competition in this contemporary media environment, thus nostalgia by itself might not be sufficient for the success of this movie.
Though they appeal to their natural nostalgia, both Austin Powers and Wayne's World successors have the ability to chronicle fascinating tales about modern life. Myers could take these characters in new directions reflecting the world and the changing times, using a fresh approach on their respective genres. For instance, the political environment of the world could offer an interesting background for a fresh Austin Powers film. Similarly, the present era of social media and video content makes now the perfect moment to bring back the Wayne and Garth characters.
Though Myers hasn't always made the best choices for his career, the buzz around Shrek 5 could provide the impetus Myers needs to start his career rebirth. Now is the ideal moment to reestablish Myers's presence in Hollywood and remind viewers of his particular comic genius as attention is once more on him.
Myers' other Shrek co-stars have lately started updating their profiles. Murphy has had highs and lows in his career, same as Myers. The actor's generally favorable assessments of Netflix's Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, however, emphasize how revisiting familiar characters can inspire audience interest and reawakenment. Diaz is preparing her return as well. Following a break from acting in 2014, the actress will feature in the forthcoming Netflix comedy Back in Action. Myers's turn comes now to take front stage.
Myers has the chance to carefully choose projects that play to his strengths and appeal to a fresh generation of viewers with his return to Shrek 5. He can confirm his legacy and enter a career second act. A good beginning and a timely reminder of why Myers became a household name would be revisiting Wayne Campbell and Austin Powers in upcoming sequelues.