Get ready to return to the swamp! DreamWorks Animation has officially announced that Shrek 5 is in development, with a release date set for July 1, 2026. This news comes as a delightful surprise for fans who have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the acclaimed franchise.
The upcoming sequel will reunite the original voice cast, with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz all confirmed to reprise their roles as Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona, respectively. While Antonio Banderas’ return as Puss in Boots hasn’t been confirmed yet, hopes are high that the swashbuckling feline will join the adventure.
Shrek 5 will be directed by Walt Dohrn, a franchise veteran who has worked on previous Shrek films in various capacities, including as head of story for Shrek Forever After.
Interestingly, Eddie Murphy let slip in a June 2023 interview that voice recording for Shrek 5 had already begun, suggesting that production has been quietly underway for some time. Murphy also teased an upcoming Donkey spinoff movie, hinting at even more exciting developments in the Shrek universe.
The announcement of Shrek 5 comes on the heels of the successful Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which hit theaters in December 2022 and reignited interest in the franchise. The spinoff’s box office success and critical acclaim, including an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, likely played a role in green-lighting the next Shrek installment.
While the plot details for Shrek 5 remain under wraps, fans can expect the signature blend of humor, heart, and fairy tale subversion that has made the franchise a cultural phenomenon. The original Shrek, released in 2001, revolutionized animated storytelling and went on to win the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Now that Shrek 5 has received a release date, the summer of 2026 is shaping up to be an animated blockbuster season. Pixar’s Toy Story 5 is set to release in mid-June, and Disney’s live-action Moana remake will follow closely behind Shrek 5‘s release.
