Shrek will make a grand return with a new movie out in 2026

Okay, cinema lovers, Shrek 5 is officially a go, with Universal and DreamWorks announcing that the iconic franchise will return to cinemas in 2026. Fans, you can officially rejoice, as stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz will return 25 years after the original Shrek premiered in theaters. The film has been in development and will hit cinemas 16 years after the previous installment, “Shrek Forever After.”

Walt Dohrn, known for working on the second, third, and fourth films, will sit in the director’s chair, and Brad Ableson, co-director of “Minions: The Rise of Gru“, will co-direct “Shrek Forever After.” Gina Shay and Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri will take on the producing role.

Now, flashback to 2001: the film officially debuted and was acclaimed for its animation style and playful fairy tale tropes. It earned $492.2 million globally and won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film in 2002. The Shrek empire, including Puss in Boots spinoffs, is one of the biggest animated franchises of all time, grossing $2.9 billion globally.

Now, mark your calendars: “Shrek Forever After” will premiere on July 1st, 2026.