'Shrek 5' Release Date Swapped with 'Minions 3'

Universal Pictures has shifted the release date of Shrek 5 to December 23, 2026, a few months later than initially planned. This move allows Minions 3, a spin-off from the Despicable Me franchise, to retain its original July 1, 2026, premiere. Variety reports that this scheduling keeps the Despicable Me series' tradition of a July 4th weekend release. Shrek 5, the first mainline entry in sixteen years, will now aim for the lucrative holiday season.

Initially announced in 2016, Shrek 5 remained largely dormant until 2023, when Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri confirmed its active development and hinted at a potential Donkey spin-off. Eddie Murphy, the voice of Donkey, further substantiated the project's progress in 2024, stating that recording for the film had begun and that a solo Donkey movie was also in the works.

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 popular Puss in Boots character has also starred in two successful spin-offs: the first in 2011 and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in 2022. The latter film received widespread critical acclaim, including a 9/10 rating from IGN, which praised its "stunning animation" and "poignant, surprisingly mature story," describing it as the unexpected, Logan-esque entry the Shrek franchise needed.