John Lithgow, renowned for voicing the villainous Lord Farquaad in the beloved animated film Shrek (2001), expressed his eagerness to return to the iconic role if given the chance in the upcoming Shrek 5. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 79-year-old actor stated he would “say yes in a minute” to rejoin the voice cast of the franchise.
The Fate of Lord Farquaad
Though Lithgow’s excitement is palpable, the reality of his character’s demise complicates matters. At the conclusion of the original Shrek, Lord Farquaad meets a fiery end, devoured by a dragon while trying to rescue Princess Fiona (voiced by Cameron Diaz). Lithgow humorously noted, “It turns out it’s impossible to recover from being eaten by a dragon,” highlighting the comedic elements of his character’s tragic fate.
The Future of Shrek 5
Regarding the possibility of Lord Farquaad’s return, perhaps through flashbacks, Lithgow revealed, “They haven’t approached me” about Shrek 5, which is set to premiere in July 2026. He clarified that he has no involvement in the new installment, stating, “I know nothing about it.”
Upcoming Projects
While fans may not see Lithgow back in the swamp, he remains busy with exciting projects. He will star in a new animated film for Netflix titled Spellbound, set to debut on November 22. The film follows a teenage princess named Ellian, voiced by Rachel Zegler, who embarks on a quest to reverse a spell that has transformed her parents into giant monsters. Lithgow plays Minister Bolinar, teasing his vocal performance with an Alan Menken song, adding to the film’s star-studded cast, which includes Javier Bardem, Nicole Kidman, and Nathan Lane.
Lithgow’s Recent Non-Animated Role
In addition to his animated work, Lithgow has taken on a dramatic role in Conclave, directed by Edward Berger. This film explores the secretive environment of the Vatican, showcasing the dramatic election of a new pope by the Catholic Cardinals. Lithgow praised the talented ensemble cast, which features Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rosselini, noting, “We took turns having our moment, and yet it all wove together so beautifully.”
Conclave was released in theaters on October 25, adding yet another accomplishment to Lithgow’s illustrious career.
