DreamWorks Animation has excited fans by announcing that a Shrek 5 movie is officially in development. The beloved characters, voiced by Mike Myers as Shrek, Cameron Diaz as Fiona, and Eddie Murphy as Donkey, are set to return, although there’s no word yet on Antonio Banderas’ Puss in Boots. Slated for release on 1 July 2026, this new chapter will arrive 25 years after the original Shrek movie debuted in May 2001.
Shrek 5 will mark a significant return to the franchise following a 16-year hiatus since Shrek Forever After was released in 2010. In the intervening years, the franchise has expanded to include spin-offs such as 2022’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, as well as short films, a television show, a Broadway musical, and attractions at Universal Studios.
The announcement was made via Universal Pictures on X/Twitter. “Not too Far, Far Away… @Shrek 5 is coming to theatres on July 1, 2026, with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz,” the studio shared, sparking excitement among longtime fans. Despite this exciting news, the studio has yet to confirm the involvement of a director for the upcoming film.
Eddie Murphy recently hinted at the new Shrek project in an interview with Collider, revealing, “We started doing Shrek 5 months ago. I did this, I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year, we’ll finish it up. Shrek is coming out, and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie. We’re gonna do Donkey as well. So we’re gonna do a Shrek, and we’re doing a Donkey [movie].”
Shrek initially captured audiences worldwide with its unique story of an irritable ogre whose swamp is invaded by fairy tale creatures banished by the evil Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). To reclaim his swamp, Shrek embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded castle, with the irrepressibly humorous Donkey by his side.
As DreamWorks prepares to bring its iconic green ogre back to the big screen, the new Shrek instalment promises to blend nostalgia with fresh adventures, potentially introducing a new generation to the charm and humour of the enchanted forest of Far, Far Away.