Excitement is building for the upcoming Shrek 5, set to hit theaters on July 1, 2026. This will mark the first new installment in the beloved franchise in 16 years, following the original Shrek, which debuted in 2001. The film was a groundbreaking success, known for its unique take on fairy tale conventions, featuring the iconic ogre voiced by Mike Myers.
The Shrek franchise has been a significant part of animated film history, with its success leading to several sequels: Shrek 2 in 2004, Shrek the Third in 2007, and Shrek Forever After in 2010. Additionally, the character Puss in Boots, voiced by Antonio Banderas, has starred in his own spin-off films, including Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. However, it remains unclear if Banderas will reprise his role in Shrek 5.
DreamWorks Animation officially announced the return of Shrek and its beloved characters through a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The announcement confirmed that Mike Myers will return as Shrek, alongside Eddie Murphy as Donkey and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona.
Eddie Murphy has shared that work on Shrek 5 has been underway for several months. In a recent interview, he mentioned that he has already recorded the first act of the film and hinted at the possibility of a Donkey spin-off movie. Murphy expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the Shrek universe, stating, “If [DreamWorks] ever came with another Shrek, I’d do it in two seconds. I love Donkey.”
Walt Dohrn, who has previously lent his voice to characters in the franchise and directed other DreamWorks projects, will be at the helm of Shrek 5. The screenplay is being crafted by Michael McCullers, known for his work on the Austin Powers films and other DreamWorks productions.
While specific plot details for Shrek 5 remain under wraps, there is speculation that the story may explore the lives of Shrek and Fiona’s teenage children. This potential storyline could introduce a new generation of characters while maintaining the humor and heart that fans have come to love.
The original Shrek film was a monumental success, grossing $487 million worldwide and winning the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The franchise has left an indelible mark on popular culture, and fans are eager to see what new adventures await their favorite characters in the upcoming film.
As anticipation grows, fans are left wondering what surprises Shrek 5 will bring. With the original cast returning and a talented team behind the scenes, there is much to look forward to in this next chapter of the Shrek saga.
Source: Newsweek
