DreamWorks Animation has announced that “Shrek 5” is officially in development, set to release on July 1, 2026. Fans of the franchise can rejoice as original stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz are confirmed to return to their iconic roles.
The news brings excitement to those who have followed Shrek’s adventures from the start. Although Antonio Banderas’ return as Puss in Boots is not yet confirmed, the anticipation remains high. “Shrek 5” will be directed by Walt Dohrn, a seasoned contributor to the series who worked on “Shrek 2,” “Shrek the Third,” and “Shrek Forever After,” even voicing Rumpelstiltskin. The film will be produced by franchise veteran Gina Shay and Illumination founder Chris Meledandri, with Brad Ableson as co-director.
Eddie Murphy revealed in June that he had already begun voice recording for the film and hinted at a potential Donkey spinoff. “We started doing [‘Shrek 5’] months ago,” Murphy told Collider. “I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year. ‘Shrek’ is coming out and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie.”
The “Shrek” franchise has been a monumental success since its debut in 2001, with four feature films grossing over $3 billion worldwide. The original “Shrek” film was a groundbreaking success for DreamWorks Animation, grossing $487 million globally and winning the first Oscar for Best Animated Feature. “Shrek 2” followed with an impressive $928 million worldwide.
Despite mixed reviews for “Shrek the Third” and “Shrek Forever After,” the films continued to draw large audiences, grossing $813 million and $752 million, respectively. The “Puss in Boots” spinoffs also enjoyed theatrical success, grossing $555 million and $484 million.
Universal Pictures has tasked Meledandri with revitalizing the “Shrek” and “Puss in Boots” franchises. Meledandri emphasized the importance of retaining the original vocal performances that contributed to the films’ success. “The challenge for us has been to find something that really does feel like it’s not simply yet another film in a series of sequels,” he said.
As Shrek fans eagerly await the return of their favorite characters, the announcement of “Shrek 5” promises a blend of nostalgia and new adventures, ensuring that the beloved ogre’s legacy continues to enchant audiences worldwide.
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