DreamWorks Animation has officially announced that the beloved Shrek franchise will return with a fifth film, featuring the original star-studded cast. The news was revealed on the studio’s social media channels on Tuesday, generating excitement among fans worldwide.
“Not too Far, Far Away…” a DreamWorks spokesperson teased on X (formerly Twitter). “@Shrek 5 is coming to theaters on July 1, 2026 with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz.” This confirmation sets the stage for a highly anticipated reunion of the iconic characters Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona.
Walt Dohrn, known for his work on the Trolls franchise and his contributions to the second, third, and fourth Shrek films, will take the director’s chair for Shrek 5. Gina Shay, also from the Trolls series, will produce alongside Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri (The Super Mario Bros. Movie). Brad Ableson (Minions: The Rise of Gru) will co-direct, promising a blend of familiar and fresh talent guiding the project.
Eddie Murphy, who voices the fan-favorite character Donkey, hinted at the film’s development in a recent interview with Collider. “We started doing Shrek four or five months ago,” Murphy revealed. “I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year. We’ll finish it up.” Murphy also let slip that Donkey is set to receive his own spin-off movie, adding another layer of excitement for fans.
The Shrek franchise, based on William Steig’s 1990 picture book, began with the groundbreaking 2001 film that introduced audiences to the lovable ogre Shrek on his quest to rescue Princess Fiona. The film won the first Oscar for Best Animated Feature and grossed over $488 million worldwide, setting the stage for a series of successful sequels.
Shrek 2 (2004) followed Shrek’s journey to meet Fiona’s parents, while Shrek the Third (2007) focused on finding the next heir to the throne. The fourth installment, Shrek Forever After (2010), delved into Shrek’s midlife crisis and his wish to erase his past. The franchise also includes the spin-off Puss in Boots (2011), which starred Antonio Banderas as the swashbuckling feline. The sequel, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, was Oscar-nominated and grossed over $481 million globally upon its December 2022 release.
Collectively, the Shrek films have earned more than $2.9 billion worldwide. The franchise has also expanded beyond the screen, inspiring a global live-touring show, a Broadway musical that received eight Tony nominations and 12 Drama Desk nominations, and a popular immersive experience in London. Additionally, Shrek-themed events and attractions have become staples at Universal Destinations & Experiences’ theme parks.
As fans eagerly await the return of Shrek and his friends, the announcement of Shrek 5 promises to bring the magic of the swamp back to the big screen. With a release date set for July 1, 2026, the countdown begins for what is sure to be another unforgettable adventure in the land of Far, Far Away.
For more updates on Shrek 5 and other geek culture news, stay tuned to the Geek Freaks podcast and visit our blog at Geek Freaks Podcast.
gfpods.com 
Leave a comment