Shrek 5: Release details, cast, what to expect, and more

DreamWorks Animation has officially announced that Shrek 5 is in the works. The animation studio took to its official X page to share that the fifth installment of the hit animated comedy movie series will be arriving on July 1, 2026.

Additionally, DreamWorks also revealed that Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, who voiced the characters of Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona, respectively, will reprise their roles.

Although plot details about the upcoming film have not been revealed yet, the narrative is expected to be something entirely different from what has been explored before. However, Shrek and his friends' true essence is bound to remain intact for purposes of continuity and nostalgia.

This is something that was also highlighted by Chris Meledandri during a conversation with Variety back in November 2018. Talking about the pressure of reinvention in the upcoming Shrek movie, Melandandri, who has been tasked with developing the plot for the movie, said:

"When you look back on those vocal performances they’re awesome, and while you certainly could make a case for a complete reinvention, I find myself responding to my own nostalgic feelings of wanting to go back to those characterizations."

He continued:

"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.”

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When is Shrek 5 releasing?

As previously stated, Shrek 5 is scheduled for release on July 1, 2026. The film is currently in production.

Information concerning Shrek 5 being in production was first revealed by Eddie Murphy during a conversation with Collider in June 2024, as part of film promotions for his recent release Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

During the conversation, when the topic of animated movies receiving massive success at the box office came up, Murphy revealed that a Shrek movie and a Donkey movie are currently in the works. He revealed:

"We started doing Shrek 4 or [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]."

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The cast of Shrek 5

Eddie Murphy will be reprising his role as Donkey(Image via Getty)

As of now, DreamWorks Animation has only confirmed the involvement of three actors who voiced the major roles in the Shrek franchise. Mike Myers will be returning as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona.

At this point, it is unclear if Antonio Banderas will be returning as Puss in Boots, but given the character's history with the film franchise, the audience can expect to see the actor return for the fifth movie.

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What to expect from Shrek 5

Important details concerning the plot of Shrek 5 have not been revealed yet, but, the narrative is expected to stay true to Shrek's roots as much as possible.

The film, with its storyline, if not anything else, can be expected to be a nostalgic joyride for ardent Shrek fans.

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Details about the crew associated with Shrek 5

Walt Dohrn will serve as director for the fifth installment of Shrek (Image via Getty)

According to Variety, the upcoming fifth installment of the Shrek franchise will be directed by Walt Dohrn, who previously served as a writer and artist on the franchise's second and third movies. Brad Ableson, on the other hand, will serve as co-director.

Shrek 5 will be produced by Gina Shay, who also produced the other movies in the franchise, and Chris Meledandri, the founder of Illumination.

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While you wait for the release of Shrek 5, you can watch all the other movies in the franchise on Amazon Prime Video.