DreamWorks Animation has electrified fans around the globe with the official announcement that Shrek 5 will grace theaters on July 1, 2026. The eagerly awaited film will see Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz returning to their much-loved roles as Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona, respectively. The news was revealed on the studio’s social media platforms, sending waves of jubilation across the internet and reigniting fervor for the iconic animated franchise.
At the helm of this new installment is Walt Dohrn, whose experience with the Trolls franchise and previous Shrek films positions him as an ideal director for Shrek 5. Gina Shay, another talent from the Trolls series, will be producing alongside Chris Meledandri, the CEO of Illumination and producer of the successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Adding further depth to the creative team is Brad Ableson, who is set to co-direct after his commendable work on Minions: The Rise of Gru.
A simple tweet from the official Shrek account read, “Not too Far, Far Away… @Shrek 5 is coming to theaters on July 1, 2026 with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz. pic.twitter.com/3j6ctXpPGu,” instantly going viral and elevating the anticipation to unprecedented levels.
Eddie Murphy, continuing the flair and personality that fans have adored, hinted at the fifth film during a recent interview with Collider. “We started doing Shrek four or five months ago,” he revealed. “I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year. We’ll finish it up.” Murphy also dropped a tantalizing tidbit, suggesting a spinoff movie centered on his character, Donkey, could be in the works—a prospect that has fans buzzing with excitement.
The Shrek saga, which began back in 2001, is based on William Steig’s 1990 picture book.
. The original film introduced audiences to the endearing ogre Shrek on his whimsical quest to rescue Princess Fiona. This debut was nothing short of legendary, as it won the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and grossed over $488 million worldwide. The film’s overwhelming success paved the way for a string of sequels: Shrek 2 in 2004, Shrek the Third in 2007, and Shrek Forever After in 2010. Additionally, the franchise branched out with the Puss in Boots spinoff and its sequel, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
Over the years, the Shrek films have amassed a staggering $2.9 billion in global revenues, firmly establishing the series as a quintessential piece of animated cinema. The cultural imprint of Shrek is immeasurable, having inspired a Broadway musical, a live-touring theatrical show, an immersive tourist attraction in London, and multiple rides and features at Universal theme parks.
The announcement of Shrek 5 opens an exciting new chapter for a franchise that has continually defied expectations and delighted audiences across generations. The return of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz assures fans that the upcoming film will retain the charm and wit that made the originals beloved worldwide. While the storyline for Shrek 5 remains under wraps, the involvement of these iconic actors and a talented creative team offers promising signs that this installment will be yet another hit in the storied franchise.
Beyond the returning cast, the production’s leadership under Walt Dohrn and the collaborative minds of Gina Shay and Chris Meledandri hint at a fusion of fresh ideas and nostalgic elements. Moreover, Brad Ableson’s addition as co-director provides an exciting new dynamic, ensuring that the film’s visual and narrative style will resonate with both longtime fans and new viewers alike.
The official confirmation of Shrek 5 serves as a reminder of the franchise’s lasting appeal and capacity for renewal. The involvement of such a star-studded lineup and skilled production team guarantees that audiences will be treated to an engaging, humorous, and heartwarming experience. True to its roots yet open to new possibilities, Shrek 5 is poised to join its predecessors in the pantheon of animated classics when it hits theaters in 2026. As fans await more details, one thing is certain—the magic of the Shrek universe is far from over.
