Mike Myers is already returning for Shrek 5, but the actor needs to come back for two other sequels as well. After a 14-year wait, Dreamworks finally announced that the beloved Shrek franchise will continue, with Shrek 5‘s release date set for 2026. The announcement confirmed that Shrek 5 would feature three of its original lead stars: Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Fiona, and Mike Myers as the titular Shrek.

With the long-awaited Shrek sequel on the horizon, Myers is back in the pop culture conversation. The versatile actor came to prominence as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, and his characters remain some of the sketch show’s most iconic. His return to the Shrek franchise sparks hopes for him to revisit some of his other classic roles and reignite his status as a comedy legend.

Mike Myers Still Needs Austin Powers 4 & Wayne’s World 3

Myers Is In A Good Position To Return To These Beloved Characters

Mike Myers’ film and television back catalog is an odd combination of beloved classics and widely-panned critical flops. His most recent work was the Netflix limited series The Pentaverate, which received overwhelmingly negative reviews and has a 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Myers created some of the most recognizable characters of the 1990s and 2000s, first with Wayne Campbell of Wayne’s World and its sequel and then with Austin Powers.

Myers developed his Wayne’s World character on Canadian television before making it a recurring Saturday Night Live sketch. He and his SNL co-star Dana Carvey play best friends and heavy metal fans who host a cable access television show. The 1992 film was a massive hit, and its 1993 sequel was far from a flop.

Likewise, the Austin Powers franchise was a huge success story for Myers. The trilogy of films was a sharp parody of 1960s spy films, poking fun at the genre’s sexism, blatant sexual innuendo, and one-note stock characters. There have been rumors of a fourth Austin Powers film since 2005, with Myers and the franchise’s director, Jay Roach, stating they would be open to returning to the series. Considering the tepid response to his recent work, now may be the perfect time for Myers to revisit both Wayne‘s World and Austin Powers.

Austin Powers & Wayne’s World Need Another Sequel More Than Shrek Does

Contemporary Austin Powers & Wayne’s World Movies Would Be Worth Watching

In many ways, the world has moved on from the Shrek universe. Animation styles have evolved since the last Shrek film, and storytelling expectations have shifted. Without a strong script, the film could ultimately fall flat. While the Shrek movies will always remain cherished family favorites, today’s generation of kids have many more entertainment options compared to the ’00s. In this modern media landscape, Shrek 5 faces some serious competition, and nostalgia alone may not be enough for this film to succeed.

However, both Austin Powers and Wayne’s World sequels have the potential to tell interesting stories about contemporary life while tapping into their inherent nostalgia. With a fresh take on their respective genres, Myers could take these characters in new directions that reflect the world and the changing times. For example, the global political climate could provide a fascinating backdrop to a new Austin Powers movie. Similarly, the current era of social media and video content makes now an ideal time to revive the Wayne and Garth characters.

Shrek 5 Can Kickstart A Mike Myers Career Renaissance

Like His Co-Stars, Myers Should Leverage The Renewed Interest To Revive His Career

Myers hasn’t always made the best decisions for his career, but the buzz surrounding Shrek 5 could be the energy Myers needs to kickstart his career renaissance. With attention back on Myers, now is the perfect time to reestablish his presence in Hollywood and remind audiences of his unique comedic genius.

Some of Myers’ other Shrek co-stars have recently started reviving their profiles. Like Myers, Murphy has had his career highs and lows. However, the actor’s generally positive reviews for Netflix’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F highlight how returning to familiar characters can help reignite interest and reconnect with audiences. Diaz is also planning her comeback. After taking a hiatus from acting in 2014, the actress is set to star in the upcoming Netflix comedy, Back in Action. Now, it’s Myers’ turn to reclaim the spotlight.

With his return to Shrek 5, Myers has the opportunity to carefully select projects that lean into his strengths and resonate with a new generation of viewers. He can solidify his legacy and step into a second act for his career. Revisiting Wayne Campbell and Austin Powers in new sequels would be a good start and provide a timely reminder of why Myers became a household name.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes