Despite being considered an “ugly duckling” by DreamWorks during its development, the saga of Shrek has transformed into one of the company’s most successful franchises, with four movies (five coming soon) and various spin-offs. However, the character’s potential in the theme park realm has not been fully exploited. After several mediocre attempts in this universe, Universal has announced that, in 2026, Shrek will join other iconic characters like SpongeBob and the Minions at the new Universal Kids Resort in Texas, a family park aimed at the little ones.
Shrek, second chance!
The decision to include Shrek in a park designed for a child audience has raised questions, especially considering that the character’s connection has primarily strengthened with the millennial audience. In fact, recent events like Shrek Retold, a fan remake that garnered over 11 million views and was created by around 200 artists, evidence that its greatest appeal lies with adults, many of whom are in their thirties. Shrek parties have proliferated, including unusual contests centered around the ogre figure, which contrasts with the family image that Universal wants to project.
Shrek’s journey in the theme parks has been marked by controversies. In 2022, Universal removed the popular Shrek 4D attraction in Florida, which generated strong discontent among fans and experts, who felt disappointed by the lack of ambition in related attractions. Similarly, other facilities in various parks have closed over the years, reinforcing the perception that the franchise has not received the treatment it deserves.
With the future of the new park in Texas still up in the air and no further details about its future attractions, Shrek fans are in a state of uncertainty. Some rumors suggest that Universal may be waiting to assess the reception of the upcoming Shrek movie before making more concrete announcements about its lineup at the new resort.