Movies Animation Movies

Shrek 5 Is Officially Coming In 2026, Whole Cast Returning, Get Your Game On, Go Play

Shrek movie opening scene Universal Pictures
By Ryan Scott

It's finally official: "Shrek 5" is happening. Indeed, after tons of speculation, rumors, and anticipation, one of the worst kept secrets in Hollywood has been confirmed by the powers that be. Universal Pictures and DreamWorks have announced that the fifth direct installment in the beloved animated franchise will hit theaters on July 1, 2026. Not only that, but the original central cast will be returning, with Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Fiona), and Eddie Murphy (Donkey) back in the saddle.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Walt Dohrn is on board to direct. He served as the writer of "Shrek 2" and "Shrek the Third." Meanwhile, "Minions: The Rise of Gru" co-director Brad Ableson will serve as the co-director. Gina Shay and Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri are producing. Plot details are currently being kept under wraps, but the end of 2022's "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" did tease a return to Far Far Away, sort of teeing up a potential return of Shrek and the gang.

The announcement was made via the brief teaser seen above. It's not much, but it's sure to generate a fair amount of excitement for people of a certain age. We haven't had a "Shrek" movie since "Shrek Forever After" in 2010. While that movie was not as beloved as "Shrek 2," for example, the franchise has become widely embraced by the generation who grew up with it. These characters are commonly used as reference points and to fuel memes, and they are truly beloved. If DreamWorks makes a good movie, this has the chance to be a true cultural event.

Shrek 5 was an inevitability

Shrek Stories Shrek and Fiona DreamWorks

Given the reliance on franchises in modern Hollywood, "Shrek 5" always felt like an inevitability. Murphy hasn't been quiet about it either, saying he would do the movie in a second, as well as a Donkey spin-off, which also seems to be in the works. In any event, Universal and DreamWorks finally pulled the trigger, circling back to the characters that helped build a massive $4 billion franchise.

If things go well, we could be looking at a gigantic hit in the making. "Shrek 2" made $929 million at the box office 20 years ago, becoming the highest-grossing animated movie of all time up to that point. People truly love these movies. It's the perfect example of something that people who are adults now grew up with and have a lot of nostalgia for, while it's also something their kids can enjoy. It's the formula that has helped make movies like "Minions: The Rise of Gru" and, more recently, "Inside Out 2" such gigantic hits at the box office. It's a recipe to print money, if executed correctly.

While there is not as much love for "Shrek the Third" for "Shrek Forever After," it should be noted that DreamWorks has done some acclaimed work as of late, with "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" ranking as a fine example. With a long break, now could be the time to get the franchise back on track for a new generation.

Look for "Shrek 5" in theaters on July 1, 2026.

Recommended