Universal Pictures has officially changed the Shrek 5 release date for the highly-anticipated next installment to DreamWorks Animation‘s popular animated franchise. The movie was originally slated for a July 1, 2026 theatrical release.

When is the new Shrek 5 release date?

Shrek 5 is now scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 23, 2026. At the moment, the movie has no direct competition on the day of its release. However, it will now be debuting in the same month as two other high-profile movies including 20th Century Studios’ Ice Age 6 and Warner Bros.’ Dune: Messiah. Because of the Shrek 5 delay, Illumination Entertainment’s upcoming Minions 3 has now been moved to an earlier release date window in July 2026. The Despicable Me spin-off was previously scheduled to debut on June 30, 2027.

Shrek 5 will be directed by Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn from screenplay written by Michael McCullers. The new installment comes after over a decade since the theatrical release of Shrek Forever After. The sequel will once again feature the voices of returning cast members Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona. Further details about its plot and new characters are still being kept under wraps. It is produced by Christopher Meledandri, Gina Shay, and John Swanson.

Following the critical success of the Puss in Boots franchise, DreamWorks Animation is now also currently working on a Donkey spin-off movie with Murphy. According to the acclaimed comedic actor, the Donkey movie will come out after Shrek 5’s release. Since debuting in 2001, the entire Shrek franchise, including its spin-off movies, has garnered a combined worldwide gross of over $4 billion at the box office.

Source: Variety