DreamWorks Animation has finally and officially announced that “Shrek 5” will be released on July 1, 2026. This exciting news has fans of the beloved franchise eagerly anticipating the return of their favorite characters. The film will see the original stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz reprising their iconic roles as Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona. 

The announcement has sparked a wave of nostalgia and excitement as audiences look forward to seeing what new adventures await the lovable ogre and his friends. With its unique blend of humor, heart, and memorable characters, “Shrek 5” promises to deliver the same magic that has made the series a timeless favorite for nearly two decades. 

As the countdown to the release date begins, fans old and new can look forward to another enchanting chapter in the Shrek saga.

Shrek 5: Familiar Director and Production Team

Shrek 5″ will be directed by Walt Dohrn, a key figure in the series’ success. Dohrn has worked as an artist and writer on “Shrek 2” and “Shrek the Third,” and was the head of story for “Shrek Forever After,” in which he also provided the voice for Rumpelstiltskin.

Producers Gina Shay and Chris Meledandri, along with co-director Brad Ableson, will bring their expertise to this highly anticipated sequel.

Updates on Voice Recordings

Eddie Murphy has already started recording his voice lines for Donkey. In an interview, Murphy revealed that he is also working on a Donkey spinoff movie, highlighting his excitement for the character. 

The team started working on ‘Shrek 5’ months ago, Murphy started recording the first act, and will finish it up this year. ‘Shrek’ is coming out while Donkey is gonna have his own movie. What else can the fans ask for?

Shrek 5 and The Franchise Success

The “Shrek” series has been a monumental success for DreamWorks Animation. The original “Shrek” was released in 2001 and grossed $487 million worldwide. The film’s unique blend of humor and heart turned DreamWorks into a powerhouse studio. “Shrek” was the first film to get nominated and win an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

“Shrek 2,” released in 2004, achieved even greater success, grossing $928 million. The sequel continued the story of Shrek and Fiona as they visit Fiona’s parents in the kingdom of Far Far Away. The film introduced memorable characters like Puss in Boots, voiced by Antonio Banderas.

“Shrek the Third,” released in 2007, follows Shrek’s quest to find a suitable heir to the throne after Fiona’s father falls ill. Although it received mixed reviews, it still grossed $813 million worldwide.

“Shrek Forever After,” released in 2010, explores Shrek’s struggle with the monotony of domestic life. He cracks a deal with Rumpelstiltskin that turns his world upside down. The film grossed $752 million globally.

The franchise also includes the “Puss in Boots” spinoffs. The most recent, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” released in December 2022, grossed $484 million and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. The success of this spinoff reignited interest in the “Shrek” series, leading to the development of “Shrek 5.”

Revival Efforts

In 2018, Universal Pictures tasked Chris Meledandri, known for his work on the “Despicable Me” franchise and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” with overseeing the revival of the “Shrek” and  “Puss in Boots” franchises. 

Meledandri emphasized the importance of retaining the original voice cast, stating, “The vocal performances are awesome, and while you could argue for a reinvention, the nostalgia for those characterizations is strong.”

Future of the Franchise

Eddie Murphy’s enthusiasm for Donkey has led to discussions about a standalone Donkey movie. Meledandri confirmed that negotiations with the original cast are progressing well.

“We anticipate the cast coming back. Every indication we’ve gotten shows tremendous enthusiasm from the actors,” he said.

Shrek’s Legacy

The “Shrek” franchise is beloved for its unique blend of humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments. The films cleverly subvert traditional fairy tale tropes, making them appealing to both children and adults. The series’ success is also attributed to its memorable characters and the stellar voice performances of its cast.

Mark your calendars for July 1, 2026, and prepare to return to the swamp. With the original cast and creative team on board, “Shrek 5” promises to bring back the magic and humor that made the franchise a global phenomenon.

The return of Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and possibly Puss in Boots will surely delight fans and attract new audiences. As we wait for more details, the excitement continues to build for this next chapter in the beloved “Shrek” saga.