Animated Sequel Switch: Shrek 5 Release Shifted

Universal Pictures has shifted the release date of Shrek 5, pushing it back a few months to December 23, 2026. This allows the Despicable Me spin-off, Minions 3, to retain its original July 1, 2026, premiere, capitalizing on the lucrative Independence Day box office.

Variety reports this scheduling change. Shrek 5, marking the franchise's return after a 16-year hiatus, will now aim for the 2026 holiday season.

Initially announced in 2016, the project remained largely dormant until 2023 when Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri confirmed its active development, hinting at a potential Donkey spin-off.

Eddie Murphy, the voice of Donkey, further substantiated the project's progress in 2024, confirming work on Shrek 5 and reiterating the possibility of a Donkey solo film. "We started doing [Shrek 5] months ago," he stated. "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."

Shrek 5's release will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the original Shrek film, which debuted in 2001. The franchise continued with Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010).

The popular Puss in Boots character also boasts two successful spin-offs: the first in 2011 and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in 2022. The latter received widespread critical acclaim, including a 9/10 rating from IGN, which praised its "stunning animation" and "poignant, surprisingly mature story," describing it as the Shrek franchise's unexpected equivalent to Logan.