by Fernando Seymour
After a 16-year hiatus since Shrek Forever After hit theatres in 2010, DreamWorks Animation has confirmed that Shrek 5 is in development, sparking a wave of rumours and speculation.
Amidst this hype, some fans are even drawing parallels to other entertainment phenomena, like the immersive Chicken Road casino game, which captures a whimsical charm akin to Shrek’s fairy-tale world.
The Long Road to Shrek 5
The Shrek franchise, which began in 2001, revolutionised animated films with its irreverent humour, memorable characters, and heartfelt themes of self-acceptance. The series spawned three sequels—Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010)—and two Puss in Boots spin-offs, with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) reigniting interest in the franchise. The success of the latter, which grossed $481 million worldwide, proved that audiences still crave adventures in Far Far Away.
Rumours of a fifth film have circulated for over a decade. As early as 2004, former DreamWorks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg hinted that the story was planned for five films, with the final chapter revealing how Shrek ended up in his swamp. However, after Shrek Forever After was marketed as the “final chapter,” plans for a fifth film were shelved. In 2016, development resumed with screenwriter Michael McCullers, who promised a “pretty big reinvention” of the series. The project faced delays, partly due to the 2016 sale of DreamWorks Animation to NBCUniversal and the global pandemic, but by 2023, concrete progress was evident.
When Is Shrek 5 Coming Out?
DreamWorks initially announced a release date of July 1, 2026, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the original Shrek. However, in January 2025, Universal Pictures shifted the release to December 23, 2026, to make way for Minions 3. This change positions Shrek 5 as a holiday season blockbuster, competing with films like Jumanji 4 and Ice Age 6.
Posts on X have fuelled speculation about earlier release dates, with some claiming a 2025 premiere based on a now-deleted LinkedIn post by an NBCUniversal employee. However, these claims lack official confirmation, and the consensus remains that December 2026 is the target. Eddie Murphy, the voice of Donkey, further stoked excitement in June 2024, revealing he had recorded lines for the first act, suggesting production is well underway.
The Shrek 5 Trailer: What We Know
The 27-second clip features Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Pinocchio, and the Magic Mirror gathered around, discovering that Shrek has become an internet meme. The trailer showcases a new visual style, with updated character designs—Shrek sports bigger eyes, Donkey has a white goatee, and Fiona’s appearance has sparked debate among fans. Some have compared the redesigns to the controversial 2019 Sonic the Hedgehog trailer, though others praise the technological advancements.
The teaser doesn’t reveal much about the Shrek 5 plot, but it confirms the return of Smash Mouth’s iconic “All Star” and introduces a significant new character voiced by Zendaya. While a full-length Shrek 5 trailer is still forthcoming, likely arriving in mid-2026 as production wraps, the teaser has successfully reignited fan enthusiasm. The clip’s focus on Shrek’s meme status suggests the film may lean into modern pop culture, a hallmark of the franchise’s humour.
Cast of Shrek 5: Returning Favourites and New Faces
The cast of Shrek 5 is a major draw, with DreamWorks confirming the return of the original trio: Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona. Myers, who has expressed eagerness to reprise his role annually, brings back the grumpy yet lovable ogre. Murphy, a vocal advocate for the franchise, has hinted at a potential Donkey spin-off, while Diaz’s return is notable given her semi-retirement from acting since 2014.
The biggest casting news is Zendaya joining as Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s teenage daughter. Introduced in Shrek Forever After as one of the ogre triplets alongside Fergus and Farkle, Felicia’s prominence in the teaser suggests she’ll play a central role. Zendaya’s casting has generated buzz, with fans citing her 2017 tweet about watching Shrek frequently as proof of her fandom. Her star power, seen in Dune and Spider-Man, makes her a perfect fit for the franchise’s blend of wit and heart.
Other returning voices include Cody Cameron as Pinocchio and Chris Miller as the Magic Mirror, both featured in the teaser. However, Antonio Banderas’ return as Puss in Boots remains unconfirmed. Given the success of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which ended with Puss sailing to Far Far Away, his absence would be surprising.
Shrek 5 Plot: Speculation and Possibilities
Details about the Shrek 5 plot are scarce, as DreamWorks has kept the story under wraps. However, clues from the teaser and past statements offer some insight. The introduction of a teenage Felicia suggests a time jump, with Shrek and Fiona navigating parenthood. This could lead to a generational story, where Felicia’s rebellious streak clashes with her parents’ values, teaching both sides lessons about growing up. The absence of Fergus and Farkle in the teaser has raised questions, with some speculating they may appear later or that Felicia is the focus for narrative clarity.
Screenwriter Michael McCullers’ 2017 comment about a “big reinvention” hints at a fresh take, possibly reimagining the fairy-tale world. One rumour suggests a villain aiming to “rewrite” fairy tales, challenging the established order of Far Far Away. This could tie into the franchise’s satirical roots, poking fun at modern storytelling trends. Additionally, Katzenberg’s earlier tease about exploring Shrek’s origins might resurface, though the focus on Felicia suggests a forward-looking narrative.
