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The clock above counts down to Shrek 5 in December 2026, DreamWorks Animation's long-awaited fifth entry in the Shrek franchise, opening in cinemas through Universal Pictures.
Shrek 5 returns the world's grumpiest ogre to theaters more than 15 years after Shrek Forever After in 2010, with the original voice cast confirmed to reprise their roles. DreamWorks has Mike Myers attached as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona, along with Zendaya in a newly announced role as Shrek and Fiona's daughter. Universal Pictures distributes globally with a holiday 2026 theatrical window.
The Shrek franchise has grossed roughly three billion dollars worldwide across four mainline films and the Puss in Boots spinoff series, with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in 2022 reigniting commercial and critical interest. DreamWorks has framed Shrek 5 as a generational successor to the 2001 original rather than a soft reboot, leaning into nostalgia for the millennial audience that grew up with the films while introducing a new co-lead.
Walt Dohrn directs with original Shrek storyteller Conrad Vernon also attached. Reporting indicates the story leaps forward in time to follow Shrek and Fiona's now-teenage daughter as the swamp family adapts to a Far Far Away that has changed without them at the center of it. Expect a return of pop-culture-soaked humor, a soundtrack heavy on early-2000s reference points, and a visual style that updates the original's PDI animation with modern lighting and detail.
Shrek 5 opens in cinemas during the December 2026 holiday window in standard, IMAX, RealD 3D, and premium large-format presentations through Universal Pictures. A home release on digital, Peacock, and physical media is expected roughly 45 to 90 days after theatrical, in line with recent DreamWorks releases.
If you are tracking family animation, the Toy Story 5 countdown and Frozen 3 countdown are the obvious companions, along with the Incredibles 3 countdown. For the same December 2026 holiday window, see the Dune: Part Three countdown.
When does Shrek 5 release? December 2026 in cinemas worldwide. Where can I watch Shrek 5? Initially in theaters; expect a Peacock release in early 2027. Is Shrek 5 confirmed? Yes. DreamWorks and Universal have the date set with the original voice cast attached. Will the original cast return? Yes. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz are all reprising their roles, with Zendaya joining as Shrek's daughter.
