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DreamWorks Animation has officially announced the release date for the much-anticipated Shrek 5, set to hit theaters on July 1, 2026. After nearly two years of speculation and excitement, fans will finally see the return of the beloved animated franchise. The film is currently in development, and the original cast will be reprising their iconic roles: Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Fiona. While Variety has reported that Antonio Banderas' return as Puss in Boots is still unconfirmed, the film will see the trio come together once more for a new adventure.
The announcement of Shrek 5 comes after a significant hiatus since the release of Shrek Forever After in 2010, marking a 16-year gap between installments. This new chapter in the franchise aims to recapture the magic of the original series that began in 2001, which became a global phenomenon. The first film in the series was a massive success, grossing $487 million worldwide and establishing DreamWorks Animation as a major player in the film industry. Building on the success of the original film, the franchise continued with Shrek 2 in 2004, Shrek The Third in 2007, and Shrek Forever After in 2010, each sequel expanding on the adventures of the lovable ogre and his friends.
In addition to Shrek 5, DreamWorks Animation is also working on a spin-off centered around Donkey. Eddie Murphy, who voices Donkey, revealed details about the spin-off during a conversation with Collider, where he shared that production for Shrek 5 had already begun. Murphy stated, “We started doing [‘Shrek 5’] months ago. I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year, we’ll finish it up. ‘Shrek’ is coming out and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie. We’re gonna do Donkey as well. So we’re gonna do a ‘Shrek,’ and we’re doing a Donkey [movie].”
The idea of a Donkey-centric spin-off has been in discussions since 2018, as Variety reported. Chris Meladandri, the head of Illumination Entertainment, has been particularly vocal about the importance of bringing back the original cast for Shrek 5. He emphasized that the success of the previous films was largely due to the vocal performances of the cast, which played a crucial role in the franchise’s enduring popularity.
As fans eagerly await the release of Shrek 5 and the Donkey spin-off, the franchise’s legacy continues to grow, promising new adventures and familiar faces for both new and old fans alike.
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