Fans will have to wait a little longer before returning to the kingdom of Far, Far Away, as Universal and DreamWorks Animation have once again delayed the release of Shrek 5 to June 30, 2027.
First announced in June 2024, Eddie Murphy — the voice behind the titular character — once predicted the fifth installment would be released in 2025.
It was initially set to premiere in July 2026 and was moved to December 23, 2026. Now, with the latest postponement, the move may be aimed at maximizing box office success, especially since it will be going head-to-head with highly anticipated films like Avengers: Doomsday.
Why Was Shrek 5 Delayed To 2027?
It’s the second time Shrek 5’s release date has been moved. While DreamWorks hasn’t revealed the reason behind the delay, it’s known that Universal has found success in releasing animated movies during the summer, such as the Despicable Me franchise, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
If the fifth Shrek film had pushed through with its December 2026 release, it would have coincided with Disney’s Avengers: Doomsday and Ice Age 6, both set to hit theaters on December 18.
Dune: Messiah is also slated for release on the same date.
With its new release date, the movie will now arrive a week after Sony’s animated Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, which premieres on June 25, 2027.
This shift means Shrek 5 will face less competition, giving it a stronger chance to become a big box-office hit.
What is Shrek 5 About?
Details about Shrek 5’s storyline have been kept under wraps, but there are theories that the fan-favorite ogre will become a protective dad following the events of Shrek Forever After.
To recall, the fourth movie, released in 2010, showed Shrek living a domesticated life with Fiona and their triplets.
However, he was tricked into signing a deal with the evil Rumpelstiltskin, trading a day from his childhood for a day as a “real” ogre.
Because Shrek unknowingly signed away the day he was born, much of the film takes place in an alternate universe where he never existed.
Fortunately, the movie ends with Fiona saving the day by giving her husband a kiss, putting everything back to normal and reminding Shrek how happy he is with his current life.
More than 15 years later, the triplets will be all grown up when they return to the big screen and may begin their own journeys in life.
In addition to Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Mike Myers will reprise their roles as Fiona and Donkey, respectively.
Zendaya has also been announced as part of the cast in an undisclosed role. Shrek 5 will be directed by franchise veterans Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn.
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