“Shrek 5” Set for Summer 2026 Theatrical Release with Original Cast Reprising Roles

The fifth installment of the franchise was announced by Dreamworks and will be released during 25th anniversary.

The "Shrek" franchise has been a staple throughout the 2000s, culminating in a cult following. (Photo Courtesy: IMDb)

Universal and DreamWorks Animation announced the release of “Shrek 5” on Tuesday, which is set for the franchise’s 25th anniversary.

The original cast will reprise their roles, notably Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz. The feature will arrive 25 years after the first “Shrek” hit theaters in 2001, which grossed $492 million globally.

Walt Dohrn will direct “Shrek 5” after writing for the second and third films as well as heading the fourth film. Brad Ableson, co-director of “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” will co-direct “Shrek 5” alongside “Shrek Forever After” producer Gina Shay. Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri will serve as the film’s producer.

The “Shrek” franchise centers on an ogre who falls for Princess Fiona of Far Far Away, who was cursed and trapped inside the body of an ogre. Donkey, played by Murphy, served as Shrek’s friend and the film’s overall comic relief.

“Shrek” later won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2002, winning the same award at the 2002 Critics’ Choice Awards. The 2001 film was nominated for the 2001 Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or award, marking the first time since 1953 (Disney’s “Peter Pan”) that an animated film was nominated for the award.

“Shrek 5” will hit theaters on July 1, 2026.