Universal Pictures shuffles its release schedule, pushing back Shrek 5 to December 23, 2026, while Minions 3, a Despicable Me spin-off, retains its original July 1, 2026, premiere.
Variety reports that this strategic shift positions Minions 3 for a traditional Independence Day box office run. Shrek 5, conversely, aims for the lucrative holiday season, marking its long-awaited return after a 16-year hiatus.
Initially announced in 2016, the project remained largely 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, corroborated the film's progress in 2024, further fueling speculation about the Donkey solo venture. "We started working on Shrek 5 months ago," he stated. "I've recorded the first act, and we'll finish it this year. Shrek is coming out, and Donkey's getting his own movie too."
The release of Shrek 5 will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the original Shrek film, which debuted in 2001. The franchise continued with Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010).
The Puss in Boots spin-offs have also proven successful, with the first installment in 2011 and the critically acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in 2022. IGN awarded the latter a 9/10, praising its "stunning animation" and "poignant, surprisingly mature story," describing it as "the Shrek franchise's answer to Logan we didn't know we needed."
