Shrek 5 Announced for Summer 2026 with Original Cast Returning
DreamWorks Animation has officially announced the development of a fifth Shrek film, set to premiere on July 1, 2026. The beloved original stars—Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz—are confirmed to return, reprising their iconic roles as Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona, respectively.
The announcement was made via DreamWorks Animation’s social media channels, with a spokesperson playfully noting, “Not too Far, Far Away…@Shrek 5 is coming to theaters on July 1, 2026 with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz.”
Directing Shrek 5 will be Walt Dohrn, who has been a key creative force in the franchise since the second film, serving as a writer and artist, and as Head of Story on Shrek Forever After. The production team includes Gina Shay, returning to produce, and Chris Meledandri, the Illumination CEO behind hits like The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Brad Ableson, known for his work on Minions: The Rise of Gru, will co-direct.
In a recent interview with Collider, Eddie Murphy hinted at the project’s progress. “We started doing Shrek four or five months ago,” Murphy revealed. “I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year. We’ll finish it up.” He also disclosed that his character Donkey will be getting his own spinoff movie.
The Shrek franchise, one of DreamWorks’ most celebrated animated series, began with the 2001 film based on William Steig’s 1990 picture book. The original movie, which follows the journey of Shrek, an ogre on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona, won the first Oscar for Best Animated Feature and grossed over $488 million worldwide. The success of Shrek led to several sequels, including Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010). The franchise also spawned the popular Puss in Boots spinoff series.
Collectively, the first four Shrek films have earned more than $2.9 billion globally, becoming a cultural touchstone with their witty humor, memorable characters, and heartwarming stories. The franchise’s influence extended beyond the screen, inspiring a global live-touring show, a Tony-nominated Broadway musical, and various theme park attractions.
With Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey set to return in 2026, fans are eagerly anticipating the continuation of their adventures. While specific plot details for Shrek 5 remain under wraps, the return of the original cast promises a nostalgic and exciting new chapter for the franchise.
As the 25th anniversary of Shrek’s debut approaches, the announcement of Shrek 5 marks a significant milestone, reigniting enthusiasm for the beloved characters and their fantastical world. Fans can look forward to seeing their favorite ogre and his friends back on the big screen in a few short years.
