Universal Pictures has announced that the studio will release DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek 5 in theaters on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Arriving in theaters in time to celebrate its 25th anniversary, DreamWorks Animation will invite audiences back to a land Far, Far Away for a thrilling new adventure in one of the most beloved global animated franchises of all time.
Comedy legends Mike Myers (Austin Powers films, Bohemian Rhapsody), Oscar nominee Eddie Murphy (Beverly Hills Cop franchise, Dreamgirls), and Cameron Diaz (Charlie’s Angels franchise, There’s Something About Mary, and the upcoming Back in Action) return to their signature roles as Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona.
Shrek 5 will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker and Shrek franchise veteran Walt Dohrn (Trolls franchise), who worked on the second and third films as a writer and artist and as Head of Story on the fourth film. (Dohrn also voiced the character of Rumpelstiltskin in Shrek Forever After).
The film will be produced by returning producer Gina Shay (Trolls franchise), who produced Shrek Forever After, and by Illumination CEO and Academy Award nominee Chris Meledandri (Despicable Me and Minions franchise, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Sing, and Secret Life of Pets films). Brad Ableson (Minions: The Rise of Gru, The Simpsons) will co-direct the film.
For the past two decades, audiences have been enchanted by the delightful, irreverent adventures of a misunderstood ogre and his ragtag group of roguish fairytale folk, based on the book by acclaimed author William Steig.
Beginning in 2001 with Shrek, the winner of the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona (along with their friends, family, and tormentors), have grown into an indelible part of pop culture, reminding audiences around the globe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
The four Shrek franchise films have earned more than $2.9 billion worldwide, spawning a global live-touring show, an award-winning Broadway musical that earned eight Tony nominations and 12 Drama Desk nominations, plus an immersive, top-tourist destination in London, and popular events and attractions across Universal Destinations & Experiences’ theme parks.
Mirko Parlevliet has been reporting on the entertainment industry since 1998 and founded Vital Thrills to provide the latest news on streaming, movies, and TV shows. He previously created the websites ComingSoon, SuperHeroHype, and ShockTillYouDrop.