Why Shrek Is On Disney Plus This December

In a surprise move that's baffled a lot of UK subscribers, Shrek has quietly appeared on Disney+. Yes, that Shrek; the one that belongs to DreamWorks, Universal-owned ogre who has absolutely nothing to do with Mickey Mouse, Marvel, or Disney princesses.

So, if you opened Disney+ today and did a double take, you're not alone.

Why Is Shrek on Disney+?

Despite the rivalry between Disneyworks and Disney, between Universal Parks and Disney parks, the reality of streaming is a much less dramatic story, as it is not uncommon for platforms to license films they don’t own.

DreamWorks (owned by Universal) regularly rents out its back catalogue to whichever service makes the best regional offer. Right now, that happens to look like it includes Disney+ in the UK. You can find the following Shrek films on Disney Plus this December:

• Shrek (2001)

• Shrek 2 (2004)

• Shrek the Third (2007)

Just remember that although this is a surprise to viewers, this kind of crossover isn't unusual. You'll sometimes see Harry Potter pop up on Netflix or Disney-owned films streaming on Sky. It's all down to short-term licensing deals, which vary massively by country. And this Christmas, Shrek fans can enjoy the film on Disney Plus.

Does Disney Own Shrek Now?

No, Disney does not own Shrek. Shrek was produced by DreamWorks Animation and DreamWorks is owned by Universal Pictures. Universal still owns full rights to the franchise and Disney+ simply has temporary permission to stream it.

How Long Will It Stay?

That part is unclear. Third-party films typically rotate in and out as deals expire. Shrek could be on Disney+ for months or it could vanish again without warning. If it's on your family's "must-watch" list, now's the time.

Why UK Fans Are Talking About It

Aside from the pure shock factor, it's unusual to see such a high-profile non-Disney animated film sitting next to Disney classics like Frozen, Encanto, and Toy Story.

The move also reignites the long-running joke that "people think everything animated is Disney" and the fact that the most anti-princess fairy-tale parody of all time is now streaming on Disney+ only adds to the fun.

Magic in a Minute

Shrek hasn't been bought by Disney, it's simply arrived on Disney+ thanks to a regional licensing deal. UK subscribers can enjoy it now, but it likely won't be permanent.