Shrek 5 is coming: Here's everything we know

Get ready to head back to the swamp—Shrek 5 is officially on the way! DreamWorks Animation’s beloved ogre is making a triumphant return, and we’ve got the latest scoop on the fifth installment of the record-smashing Shrek franchise.

When’s It Hitting Theaters?

Mark your calendars: Shrek 5 is slated to drop on December 23, 2026, just in time for the holiday season. Originally pegged for July 1, 2026, Universal Pictures shifted the date in January 2025 to make room for Minions 3. The new slot celebrates DreamWorks’ 25th anniversary and the original Shrek’s debut back in 2001—talk about perfect timing!

Who’s Back—and Who’s New?

The core crew is returning, with a major addition shaking things up:

Could Antonio Banderas return as Puss in Boots? No confirmation yet, but after Puss in Boots: The Last Wish killed it in 2022, fingers are crossed.

Behind the Scenes

Directing duties fall to Walt Dohrn (Shrek Forever After’s Rumpelstiltskin) and Conrad Vernon (the Gingerbread Man himself), joined by Brad Ableson (Minions: The Rise of Gru). The script comes from Michael McCullers (Austin Powers), who’s calling it a “very personal” reboot. Producing heavyweights Chris Meledandri (Illumination’s mastermind) and Gina Shay are steering the ship.

What’s the Story?

Plot details are hush-hush, but hints suggest a family-focused adventure. With Zendaya as Felicia, expect Shrek and Fiona navigating parenthood—teenage ogre style. The teaser, unveiled in February 2025, shows Shrek going viral online, alongside Pinocchio and the Magic Mirror. Classic Shrek vibes—fairy-tale twists and big laughs—are a safe bet.

A Fresh Look

The animation’s getting a glow-up: aged-up characters, sleeker visuals, and a glossy finish. Fans are split—some love the modern polish, others miss the old-school grit (what’s with Shrek’s new head shape?). Either way, it’s a bold evolution for the franchise.

How We Got Here

After Shrek Forever After wrapped the series in 2010, a fifth film lingered in limbo. Talks heated up post-2016 when NBCUniversal snagged DreamWorks, and by 2018, Meledandri was tapped to revive the saga. Eddie Murphy kicked off recording in 2024, and the project locked its date last July. Bonus: Murphy spilled that a Donkey spin-off is next in line!

Why It Matters

With $2.9 billion in global box office haul, Shrek is animation royalty. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish raked in $481.5 million recently, so expectations are sky-high—some fans are even betting on a $2 billion run. Nostalgia meets Zendaya’s star power: this could be a monster hit.

Fan Buzz

Social media’s lit up with hype over the cast and teaser, though the redesigns have sparked debate. Will Shrek 5 honor its roots or forge a wild new path? We’ll find out in 2026.