Shrek 5 Delayed as It Swaps Release Dates With Minions 3

Universal Pictures shuffles its release schedule, pushing back Shrek 5 to a December 23, 2026 release, while Minions 3, a Despicable Me spin-off, retains its original July 1, 2026 premiere.

Variety reports that this strategic shift allows Minions 3 to capitalize on the lucrative Independence Day box office, a tradition established by previous Despicable Me installments. Shrek 5, conversely, aims for the holiday season, marking a significant return for the beloved franchise after a 16-year hiatus.

Initially announced in 2016, Shrek 5 remained relatively dormant until 2023 when Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri confirmed its active development, hinting at a potential Donkey spin-off.

Eddie Murphy, the voice of Donkey, further substantiated the project's progress in 2024, confirming recording had commenced and expressing enthusiasm for both Shrek 5 and a dedicated Donkey film. "We started doing [Shrek 5] months ago," he stated. "I did this, I recorded the first act, and we'll be doing it this year. We’ll finish it up. Shrek is coming out, and Donkey's gonna have his own movie. We're gonna do Donkey as well."

The release of Shrek 5 will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the original Shrek film, which debuted in 2001. The franchise subsequently expanded with Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010).

The popular Puss in Boots spin-off series also boasts two successful films, the first in 2011 and the critically acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in 2022. The latter received glowing reviews, including a 9/10 score from IGN, which praised its "stunning animation" and "poignant, surprisingly mature story," describing it as the "Shrek franchise's answer to Logan we didn't know we needed."