The Return to the Swamp
DreamWorks Animation has officially announced the development of “Shrek 5,” set to hit theaters on July 1, 2026. Fans of the franchise will be delighted to know that the original stars, Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, are all confirmed to reprise their iconic roles.
Original Cast Reunited
Mike Myers will return as the lovable ogre Shrek, Eddie Murphy as the hilarious Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as the courageous Princess Fiona. Antonio Banderas’ return as Puss in Boots, however, remains unconfirmed. Eddie Murphy shared his excitement, revealing that the voice recording for Donkey has already begun. “We started doing [‘Shrek 5’] months ago,” Murphy told Collider. “I recorded the first act, and we’ll finish it this year. ‘Shrek’ is coming out, and Donkey’s gonna have his movie.”
New Creative Team
Walt Dohrn will direct Shrek 5. He has a long history with the franchise, having worked as a writer and artist on Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third. He also served as the head of the story on Shrek Forever After. Gina Shay, who has previously worked on the franchise, and Illumination founder Chris Meledandri will produce the film. Brad Ableson will join as co-director.
A Legacy of Success
The “Shrek” franchise has been a massive success since its debut in 2001. The original film grossed $487 million worldwide and became the first Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature. “Shrek 2” performed even better, grossing $928 million and competing for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Despite receiving less acclaim, “Shrek the Third” and “Shrek Forever After” still grossed $813 million and $752 million worldwide, respectively. The “Puss in Boots” spinoffs also achieved notable success, with the latest installment, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” earning $484 million and an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature.
A New Chapter
Universal Pictures tasked Meledandri in 2018 with reviving the “Shrek” and “Puss in Boots” franchises. Meledandri emphasized the importance of the original vocal performances, saying, “When you look back on those vocal performances, they’re awesome… I respond to my nostalgic feelings of wanting to return to those characterizations.”
Donkey’s Potential Spinoff
Eddie Murphy’s enthusiasm for his role as Donkey is well-known, with him expressing interest in a Donkey-centric movie. “If [DreamWorks] ever came with another ‘Shrek,’ I’d do it in two seconds. I love Donkey,” Murphy said in January 2023. Meledandri found Murphy’s comments exciting and shared his desire to see the original cast return. “We anticipate the cast coming back… every indication that we’ve gotten is there’s tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return,” he said in April 2023.
The Future of the Franchise
The confirmation of “Shrek 5” has reignited excitement among fans and the film industry. With the original cast returning and a talented creative team at the helm, the next installment in the “Shrek” series promises to be a nostalgic and entertaining experience.
Looking Forward
As we eagerly await the release of “Shrek 5,” it’s clear that the beloved characters and their adventures in the land of Far, Far Away continue to capture our hearts. Mark your calendars for July 1, 2026, and prepare to return to the swamp for another unforgettable journey.
The announcement of “Shrek 5” has brought joy to fans worldwide. With the return of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, along with a dedicated creative team, this upcoming film is set to continue the legacy of the beloved “Shrek” franchise. Keep an eye out for more updates as the release date approaches.
