‘Shrek 5’: Everything We Know About the Return of Shrek and Donkey to the Swamp

‘Shrek 5’ is presently in production, which is wonderful news for fans of the ‘Shrek’ franchise.

DreamWorks Animation had not yet made an official announcement regarding the movie, but in June 2024, Eddie Murphy, who has been the voice of the beloved character Donkey since 2001, hinted at it. Murphy hinted about the possibility of a stand-alone Donkey movie in addition to teasing ‘Shrek 5’. He revealed that Shrek would make a comeback and that Donkey would also get his own film, adding that he had already recorded the first act for ‘Shrek 5’ and would be finishing it later this year.

With three sequels and two Puss in Boots spin-offs, since the first ‘Shrek’ film came out more than 20 years ago, the franchise has made over $1.6 billion globally.

Here is what we currently know about ‘Shrek 5’, including the cast’s return and the film’s debut date. 

Image Courtesy: People

‘Shrek 5’ original release date of 1st July 2026, has been postponed. DreamWorks and Universal Pictures announced in January 2025 that the movie’s new release date would be 23rd December 2026, which also happens to be DreamWorks’ 25th anniversary.

The return of Murphy, Mike Myers (Shrek), and Cameron Diaz (Fiona) for ‘Shrek 5’ was formally confirmed by DreamWorks in July 2024. New cast members have not yet been announced, but as work moves forward, more characters and voice performers might be unveiled.

Although the plot of ‘Shrek 5’ is yet unknown, fans can probably anticipate another adventure in Far Far Away that will feature the same humour, adored characters, and touching moments for which the franchise is renowned. Since the movie is still in the early stages of production, there isn’t a trailer yet, so fans will have to wait a little while longer to get a sneak peek.

Image Courtesy: People

Walt Dohrn, who directed ‘Shrek 5’ and served as Rumpelstiltskin’s voice and head of story in ‘Shrek Forever After’, is also a writer and illustrator for ‘Shrek 2’ and ‘Shrek the Third’. The series has previously been directed by Mike Mitchell, Vicky Jenson, Kelly Asbury, and Andrew Adamson.

Murphy has frequently talked about how much he loves Donkey and how excited he is about the franchise’s future, especially the prospect of a Donkey-focused movie. He quipped that Donkey is funnier than Puss in Boots in a 2023 interview, even going so far as to say that DreamWorks ought to have produced a Donkey film instead.

–Farheen Ali