The DreamWorks Animation franchise "Shrek" began with its 2001 release, pulling in more than a quarter-million dollars domestically ($268M) and another $220M internationally. The three sequels – released in 2004, 2007, and 2010 – brought the franchise's box office totals to almost $3 billion worldwide ($1.275M domestic). (See data below)
Now, 15 years later, Shrek fans are anticipating the release of "Shrek 5," due for release around Christmas 2026. But a pro-family media watchdog is warning parents about the 25-second trailer already making the rounds.
At the conclusion of the trailer, the narrator utters what some might consider to be a "mild" profanity. The problem, says Monica Cole, director of One Million Moms, is that young ears are likely to hear that profanity many times, well before the movie is released.
"They blatantly used the 'D word' in the trailer," she explains. "For one thing, it shouldn't be in an animated movie at all made for children, even though it does have adult humor mixed in as well, which is another topic.
"But the trailer itself did not have the [profanity] bleeped out – and trailers are aired not only before other children's movies at the theater, but also on television …. This profanity is completely unnecessary and irresponsible."
One Million Moms is taking action and has posted an online petition urging DreamWorks owner Universal Pictures to censor all foul language in movie trailers immediately.
"[Doing that] in animated films would be ideal, but especially in the trailers because children see the commercials, they see trailers – and we all know children repeat what they hear," says the 1MM director.
"There is plenty of time for Universal Pictures to censor foul language out of the film, but especially to censor any foul language in any of their trailers between now and then."
Cole wonders if a rating system for commercials – similar to that for movies and TV shows – will eventually be necessary.
Box office numbers (original + re-releases) (according to BoxOfficeMojo.com)
"Shrek" (2001) $489M worldwide, $268M domestic
"Shrek 2" (2004) $932M worldwide, $445M domestic
"Shrek the Third" (2007) $808M worldwide, $323M domestic
"Shrek Forever After" (2010) $752M worldwide, $239M domestic
