Shrek 5 Release Date Delayed (& Will Just Miss Major Franchise Anniversary)

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 for Shrek 5‘s cast in 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 Reporter has now brought word that Shrek 5‘s release date is being delayed. The Mike Myers-led animated sequel is now set for a December 23, 2026 release date, ultimately coming out five months later than its original July 1 date. Universal has now swapped in the currently titled Minions 3 to that date, bringing it up nearly a full year from its original June 30, 2027 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 5 being 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 that Shrek 5 will 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 of the long-gestating Jumanji 4, the recently announced Ice Age 6 and a mystery Denis Villeneuve event film. Check out the current calendar of December 2026 release dates below:

Though the Ice Age franchise may 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 three Jumanji movies have proven to be veritable competitors at the box office in December, with Welcome to the Jungle having to face off against both The Greatest Showman and Star 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

Though Ice Age 6 and Jumanji 4 will offer some competition for the film, Shrek 5 is 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 the Ice Age series, 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 be one of the best Shrek movies yet, I think more audiences will turn out in droves for those characters’ returns.

Source: THR

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Shrek 5 continues the adventures of the beloved ogre and his friends in a new chapter of the animated franchise. This installment revisits familiar characters and introduces new ones as Shrek navigates challenges and unexpected twists in a magical kingdom while reinforcing themes of friendship and self-discovery.

Release Date

July 1, 2026

Character(s)

Donkey
, Princess Fiona
, Shrek

Director

Walt Dohrn
, Brad Ableson

Writers

Michael McCullers
, Christopher Meledandri
, William Steig

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