Grab the Fiona (or Donkey!) to your Shrek, because the one of Hollywood’s best sequels (yeah, I’ll say it) is headed back to theaters for a limited time.
Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation announced today that 2004 classic Shrek 2 is headed back to theaters on April 12 in honor of its 20th anniversary. The companies didn’t reveal how long the theatrical run would last, but tickets are currently available for pre-order on Fandango from late April 11 through April 18.
AMC Theaters also announced that tickets would be available for just $5. Cinema, as they say, is back.
It’s the 20th anniversary of Shrek 2! 🎉 For a limited time, see it at #AMCTheatres for just $5! 🎟 – https://t.co/Sy23tgfh5h pic.twitter.com/FxFWIllXrZ
— AMC Theatres (@AMCTheatres) March 8, 2024
While today marks the first official confirmation of Shrek 2’s re-release, news had previously leaked via Government of Alberta in Canada, of all places. The government’s film body rated a trailer for “Shrek 2 re-release” on February 22.
Shrek 2 was originally released on May 19, 2004, a few days after premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the prestigious Palme d’Or. Riding the wave of glowing reviews and goodwill from its 2001 predecessor, it earned a whopping $928 million at the worldwide box office, becoming the highest-grossing animated movie ever at the time (it was eventually surpassed by Toy Story 3). It also scored Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Film and Best Original Song (Counting Crows’ “Accidentally in Love”).
It is also, in this humble writer’s opinion, the absolute best Shrek movie, leaning on similar absurd humor from the first film while expanding its world, introducing fun new characters (Puss in Boots! Fairy Godmother!), and showing off some improved animation. For the record, the OG Shrek also absolutely rules, as does 2022’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (which, to be fair, I’m not counting as a main Shrek movie).
Tickets for the Shrek 2 re-release are now available for pre-order.
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.
