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Shrek 2

Shrek 2 is a 2004 American computer-animated fantasy comedy film directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, and Conrad Vernon.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Shrek 2 is a 2004 American computer-animated fantasy comedy film directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, and Conrad Vernon. It is the sequel to Shrek (2001) and the second film in the Shrek franchise. The film follows Shrek and Donkey as they visit Fiona’s parents in Far Far Away and face opposition from the Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming.

Plot

After returning from their honeymoon, Shrek and Fiona are invited to Far Far Away to meet Fiona’s parents. Their visit is complicated by the Fairy Godmother’s scheme to have Fiona marry Prince Charming instead of Shrek.

Cast and characters

The film features returning voice actors Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, along with new additions including Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots, Julie Andrews as the Queen, John Cleese as the King, Rupert Everett as Prince Charming, and Jennifer Saunders as the Fairy Godmother.

Release and reception

Shrek 2 premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2004, before its wide theatrical release in the United States on May 19, 2004. It received positive reviews and is widely regarded as one of the strongest animated sequels.

Franchise context

The film expanded the Shrek series and helped solidify it as a major DreamWorks franchise. It continued the series’ mix of fairy-tale parody, comedy, and pop-culture references.

Canada release

Shrek 2 was released in Canada on May 19, 2004, alongside its U.S. theatrical release.

Key facts

  • It is the sequel to Shrek (2001) and the second installment in the Shrek franchise.
  • Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz reprise their roles as Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona.
  • Antonio Banderas joins the cast as Puss in Boots.
  • The story centers on Shrek and Fiona’s visit to Fiona’s parents in the kingdom of Far Far Away.
  • The film premiered at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and was released in U.S. theaters on May 19, 2004.
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Canadian context

Shrek 2 was released in Canada on May 19, 2004, alongside its U.S. theatrical release.

Frequently asked questions

What is Shrek 2?
Shrek 2 is a 2004 American animated fantasy comedy film and the sequel to Shrek (2001).
Who directed Shrek 2?
It was directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, and Conrad Vernon.
Who stars in Shrek 2?
The main voice cast includes Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Rupert Everett, and Jennifer Saunders.
When was Shrek 2 released?
It premiered at Cannes on May 15, 2004, and opened in U.S. theatres on May 19, 2004.
What is Shrek 2 about?
Shrek and Fiona visit her parents in Far Far Away while the Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming try to disrupt their marriage.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrek_2
    Supports: Sequel status, cast, plot overview, premiere and release date
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/shrek_2
    Supports: Release date, genre, runtime, rating, box office
  3. Turner Classic Movies — https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/411874/shrek-2
    Supports: Sequel context, release information, plot summary
  4. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/shrek-2-2004
    Supports: Directed by, writers, runtime, rating
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0298148/releaseinfo/
    Supports: Canada release date and premiere/release details