I admit I loved the Shrek movies. I’m hoping they don’t screw it all up by going woke.
DreamWorks Animation has officially announced the development of Shrek 5, set to bring back the franchise’s beloved voice actors Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz. The production company, known for its work on all six previous Shrek films, revealed that the new installment is slated for release on July 1, 2026.
Not too Far, Far Away… @Shrek 5 is coming to theaters on July 1, 2026 with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz. pic.twitter.com/3j6ctXpPGu
— DreamWorks Animation (@Dreamworks) July 9, 2024
The Shrek series, which began in 2001, quickly became a cultural and box office sensation. The inaugural film, which premiered at Cannes, was the first animated feature to compete for the Palme d’Or in over fifty years and went on to win the first Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
Shrek’s debut earned $487 million globally, transforming DreamWorks from a producer of moderate hits like Chicken Run and Antz into a significant player in the animation industry. In recognition of its impact, Shrek was added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 2020, marking its historical, cultural, and aesthetic significance.
#Shrek5 will premiere in theaters on July 1, 2026.
Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz are officially returning to reprise their roles as Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey. pic.twitter.com/pyKVpZLffB
— Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) July 9, 2024
The original Shrek film was followed by three sequels: Shrek 2, which also premiered at Cannes and became the franchise’s top-grossing film with nearly a billion-dollar worldwide box office, as well as Shrek the Third and Shrek Forever After.
The franchise also expanded with a 2011 spin-off, Puss in Boots, focusing on Antonio Banderas’s character, and its 2022 sequel, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. It remains uncertain if Banderas will reprise his role in Shrek 5, the seventh film in the series.
In a recent interview, Eddie Murphy, who voices Donkey, hinted at future Shrek projects, including a potential Donkey spin-off. “We started doing [Shrek 5] months ago,” Murphy shared with Collider. “I recorded the first act, and we’ll be continuing this year.”
‘SHREK 5’ will release on July 1, 2026 in theaters.
Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy will all reprise their roles. pic.twitter.com/aGLtUzGgMm
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 9, 2024
Speculation about a Shrek sequel has been ongoing since 2018, when it was reported that Universal, DreamWorks’ parent company, had enlisted Chris Meledandri, the mind behind Despicable Me, to rejuvenate the franchise. “When you look back on those vocal performances, they’re incredible … I’m drawn to the nostalgia of those characterizations,” Meledandri commented. “Our challenge has been to create something that doesn’t just feel like another sequel.”
Major Points:
- Shrek 5 is officially in development, with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz returning to voice their characters.
- DreamWorks Animation announced the film’s release date as July 1, 2026.
- The original Shrek film, released in 2001, was a critical and commercial success, winning the first Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
- The franchise includes three sequels and two spin-offs, with the Shrek series earning significant box office revenue and cultural acclaim.
- Eddie Murphy hinted at future Shrek projects, including a potential Donkey spin-off, and Universal enlisted Chris Meledandri to reinvigorate the franchise.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
