While the sequel was originally on track to hit theaters in time for a franchise anniversary,Shrek 5’s release date has now been delayed. Talks of a fifth installment in the DreamWorks franchise have swirled for the better part of a decade, with producer Chris Meledandri stating in early 2023 that it was gaining steam with Edddie Murphy, Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz all in talks to return. The trio would officially be confirmed forShrek 5’s castin July 2024, with the movie aiming to release in theaters for the franchise’s 25th anniversary.
Some months after the studio confirmed that it was set for a Summer 2026 release date,The Hollywood Reporterhas now brought word thatShrek 5’s release date is being delayed.The Mike Myers-led animated sequel is now set for a June 27, 2025 release date, ultimately coming out five months later than its original July 1 date. Universal has now swapped in the currently titledMinions 3to that date, bringing it up nearly a full year from its original June 09, 2025 release date.
What The Release Date Change Means For Shrek 5
The Movie’s Facing Some Hefty Family-Friendly Competition
Though still hitting theaters in the same year,Shrek 5being pushed to December 2026 does kind of hamper the franchise’s 25th anniversary celebration. The first movie in the series hit theaters in May 2001, so while its original July 1 date would still have seen it released after the fact, it would have at least been close enough for the studio to consider hosting special events in the lead up to its arrival.
However, more important than the franchise celebration is the fact thatShrek 5will now be facing some very heavy-hitting competitors going into its new release date. At the time of writing, the sequel is the only title set for Christmas 2026 weekend, but the weeks prior will see the releases ofthe long-gestatingJumanji 4, the recently announcedIce Age 6and a mystery Denis Villeneuve event film. Check out the current calendar of December 2026 release dates below:
Untitled Denis Villeneuve Event Film
December 18
ThoughtheIce Agefranchisemay have seen a steep decline at the box office with its previous installment,Collision Course, the 10-year gap between the fifth and sixth installments are likely to be a big boost for its chances at the box office. Similarly,all threeJumanjimovies have proven to be veritable competitors at the box office in December, withWelcome to the Junglehaving to face off against bothThe Greatest ShowmanandStar Wars: The Last Jedi, surpassing both in its second through fourth weekends, while also reclaiming the top spot in its eighth weekend.
Our Take On Shrek 5’s New Release Date
It Will Still Likely Come Out Victorious
ThoughIce Age 6andJumanji 4will offer some competition for the film,Shrek 5is still likely to be the victor in its December 2026 date. Fans of the franchise remain far more positive in their reflections on it than theIce Ageseries, and considering it’s been longer since a mainline installment in the former came out, and the most recent installment,Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, proved to beone of the bestShrekmovies yet, I think more audiences will turn out in droves for those characters' returns.
Shrek 5
Cast
Shrek 5 is the fifth installment in the popular animated film series.
