With films such as Shrek and How To Train Your Dragon under their belt, DreamWorks Animation has become a sensation in the entertainment world. They have released more than 40 movies to the public so far and the future looks bright for upcoming projects from the studio.
The company has multiple movies – both animated and live-action – that will be released over the course of the next few years. Their upcoming slate features plenty of exciting projects; some are out in the open while some kept under wraps.
While a few of these releases have confirmed dates and are based on pre-existing properties, others are totally original ideas or inspired adaptations of children’s books. No matter the source of their storytelling, these concepts are definitely worth watching out for!
Here’s what’s coming out next:
1) The Boss Baby: Back In The Crib (2022)
The Boss Baby is perhaps one of DreamWorks’ most underrated animated features despite the success it achieved. Although another sequel is in the works after Family Business, Back In The Crib is a bit of a change of pace for the franchise, considering it’s a TV show.
The show is just hitting Netflix and there’s sure to be more in store from this family-friendly adventure. With Ted framed for a corporate crime, the brothers go back to their younger years to try and clear his name. It’s a hilarious premise that DreamWorks has brought to life with its fantastic animation and most of the original cast has not returned for the series.
2) Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
The Puss In Boots franchise has had a life of its own since the character first appeared in the Shrek saga. With his own spin-off movie and a range of shows on Netflix, the heroic cat is about to appear one more time on the big screen in Puss In Boots: The Last Wish.
With a trailer already released showcasing the revised animation style of the series, The Last Wish looks to be a fantastical spectacle starring Puss alongside his friends. With eight lives now behind him, how will the titular character use his one remaining life while not allowing it to hold him back from his adventures? It’s directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, written by Paul Fisher, and stars the likes of Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Florence Pugh, and Olivia Colman.
3) Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight (2022)
The Kung Fu Panda saga is one of DreamWorks’ most beloved series to date, featuring plenty of films and TV shows for fans to get stuck to. Audiences will be delighted to hear that Po and the rest of the gang will be returning to screens in the series The Dragon Knight.
Featuring a new antagonist and an updated visual style, the story sees Po tracking down a range of powerful weapons before his enemy collects them first. The adventure will see new heroes join the kung fu master, with Jack Black returning to voice the much-loved panda.
4) Trolls 3 (2023)
The Trolls series has demonstrated how much can be achieved with the simple inspiration of a beloved toy. DreamWorks is very much in the business of sequels and it is not surprising that Trolls 3 is currently in development, with an eye on releasing next year.
Very little is currently known about the project as it will likely still be in the middle of production. Universal Pictures and the entertainment industry was impressed by the performance of Trolls World Tour and the sequel will look to follow that formula, expanding this vibrant universe further. More details about the project should come out soon.
5) Dog Man (to be announced)
Kids’ comic books are always going to be a brilliant source for storytelling in the realms of animation, as the stunning visuals seen on the page could provide ample inspiration for what would be produced on-screen. DreamWorks is hoping to create the same magic with Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man for one of its latest features.
Pilkey has a prior connection with DreamWorks as the company acquired the rights to produce his creation, Captain Underpants. Peter Hastings is to direct the feature, which will be the first time he steps into the role on a major project. He has plenty of producing and writing experience within the walls of DreamWorks, though.
6) Mice and Mystics (to be announced)
Jerry Hawthorne created the role-playing board game Mice And Mystics, which is often compared to Dungeons And Dragons but actually boasts a slightly different story. The majestic fictional universe of the game has been developed with incredible detail and has a cult following. Now, DreamWorks is looking to bring that to the big screen.
From the designs of the characters to the way in which their world operates, there’s a lot to love about this game. Reportedly, Alexandre Aja is to direct and co-write the script, alongside David Leslie Johnson. The producing team includes Roy Lee and Jon Berg who are linked to Vertigo Entertainment.
7) Megamind’s Guide To Defending Your City (to be announced)
Megamind is one of the few superhero movies out there that does not have a sequel. It’s hilarious, charming, and full of genuine heart. Luckily for fans of the movie, there will be a TV show dedicated to the escapades of the blue-headed former villain.
Megamind’s Guide To Defending Your City is in production for Peacock but the format of the show is currently unclear. Alan Schoolcraft and Brent Simons, who worked on the original movie, will be part of the producing team alongside Eric Fogel and JD Ryznar. It’s not currently known whether the cast will return but Megamind is described as a new superhero influencer.
8) Abominable And The Invisible City (to be announced)
Megamind is not the only popular DreamWorks film that will hit Peacock. Abominable, which was actually produced in conjunction with Pearl Studio and based on a yeti-style creature, will be given its own ongoing series titled The Invisible City.
While the cast members are currently unknown and the role of this mysterious titular city remains a mystery, some of the production team have been confirmed. Amongst the producers for the series are Jim Schumann and Katherine Nolfi, with Tiffany Lo and Ethel Lung working as story editors.
9) Ronan Boyle And The Bridge Of Riddles (to be announced)
A gorgeously deep children’s book with great illustrations and a stunning world to explore, the first of writer Thomas Lennon and artist John Hendrix’s collaborations within the Ronan Boyle universe comes in the form of The Bridge Of Riddles. It’s a brilliant read and the start of a much larger series.
DreamWorks is eyeing up this Irish, magical comedy and has acquired the rights to produce a film based upon it. With a visual style already in place to copy and the script being worked on by New York Times best-seller Lennon himself, this should be a sure success. The project is being directed by Fergal Reilly.
10) A new Shrek project (to be announced)
Rumors have circulated for years about the status of DreamWorks’ most famous property, Shrek. While a reboot was reported for a while, a sequel also appeared to be on the cards, featuring the exact same cast. Regardless of the direction, another Shrek project is definitely heading towards the big screen.
Right now fans will have to just wait for any official announcements regarding the status of this potential epic. Perhaps DreamWorks is awaiting the release of sister film Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, before fixing on a release date and some early details. Regardless, the franchise itself is just too huge to discontinue.
~ This has surely got us excited!
