Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation's Shrek 5 has pushed its release date from July 1, 2026 to December 23, 2026. Meanwhile, the studio has also rescheduled Minions 3 opening date to accommodate the vacancy left by Shrek 5. The film from Illumination was earlier supposed to debut on June 30, 2027.

Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon are directing Shrek 5 with Brad Ableson as co-director (Minions: The Rise of Gru, The Simpsons). Gina Shay and Chris Meledandri are producing the film which stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz as they reprise their roles of Shrek, Donkey and Fiona respectively from the other previous films.

The beloved franchise has expanded to three sequels, several shorts, two TV specials and a line-up of Puss in Boots spin-off films. While the last Shrek film was Shrek Forever After (2010), the second and latest Puss in Boots film titled The Last Wish was released in 2022. Antonio Banderas voices the smart, sword-swinging cat character. The release of the upcoming film will coincide with the 25th anniversary celebrations of the franchise.

Oscar nominee Pierre Coffin, the director of the first three Despicable Me films and the first Minions film, has returned to helm the upcoming third film which is scripted by Brian Lynch. Coffin has been the voice behind the iconic yellow naughty beings, who serve as Gru's sidekicks, since Despicable Me (2010). The latest film from the franchise Despicable Me 4, was released last year and was a critical and commercial hit, earning over $230 million globally.