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‘Shrek 5’ Release Pushed Back to Late 2026 as Franchise Celebrates 25 Years Since Debut

'Shrek 5' Release Pushed Back to Late 2026 as Franchise Celebrates 25 Years Since Debut

DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek 5 is making a significant move on Universal Pictures’ release calendar. Originally scheduled for a July 1, 2026 debut, the long-awaited sequel will now hit theaters on December 23, 2026, just in time for the holiday season. This new release date aligns with the franchise’s 25th anniversary, celebrating the groundbreaking animated saga that first charmed audiences in 2001.

The film will see the return of the original voice cast, including Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Fiona. Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon are directing, with Brad Ableson serving as co-director and Gina Shay and Chris Meledandri as producers.

The move allows Universal to reshuffle its other animated projects, with Minions 3 now occupying the July 1, 2026 slot. Directed by Pierre Coffin, the upcoming sequel will follow the antics of the mischievous Minions, a box-office powerhouse for Illumination, having collectively grossed nearly $5 billion globally. Universal has also claimed June 30, 2027 for an untitled Illumination film, maintaining a strong presence in the competitive summer release window.

READ: Now About ‘Shrek’: Eddie Murphy Confirmed for Fifth Film and Donkey Spin-Off

Since its debut in 2001, Shrek has become a defining franchise in modern animation, beloved for its sharp humor, heartwarming storylines, and satirical take on classic fairy tales. The original film broke records, earning $487 million at the global box office and becoming the first animated feature to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Three successful sequels followed—Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010)—bringing the franchise’s total box office earnings to over $2.9 billion. Alongside its financial success, Shrek captured the cultural zeitgeist with memorable characters like the titular ogre, his loyal companion Donkey, and the fierce Princess Fiona.

The Shrek universe expanded further with two spinoff films focused on the fan-favorite character Puss in Boots. Antonio Banderas brought the swashbuckling feline to life in Puss in Boots (2011) and its critically acclaimed sequel Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022), proving the franchise’s ability to evolve and captivate new audiences.

Eddie Murphy recently hinted at another potential expansion—a Donkey spinoff. While details remain scarce, Murphy expressed excitement for a deeper exploration of Shrek’s wisecracking sidekick, saying, “Donkey deserves his own movie. He’s hilarious and has so much more to offer.”

Over two decades later, Shrek remains a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its groundbreaking animation, iconic soundtrack, and ability to balance humor with heartfelt storytelling. Mike Myers, reflecting on his role, said, “The fairy tale format is timeless, but Shrek reimagined it in a way that felt fresh and relatable. I can’t wait to bring him back for audiences both old and new.”

As Shrek 5 gears up for its holiday 2026 release, it promises to bring fresh adventures, beloved characters, and the same irreverent humor that has made the franchise a global phenomenon. The return to Far Far Away is poised to enchant audiences once again, solidifying Shrek’s place as one of the most beloved franchises in animation history.

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