DreamWorks Animation has announced that “Shrek 5” is in development and will be released on July 1, 2026. “Shrek” stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz are all confirmed to return for the sequel. Meanwhile, the return of actor Antonio Banderas as “Puss in Boots” has not been confirmed.

“Shrek 5” will be directed by Walt Dohrn, who wrote the screenplays for “Shrek 2” and “Shrek the Third,” and is also the story-teller for “Shrek Forever After.” “Shrek 5” will be produced by franchise creator Gina Shay and “Illumination” creator Chris Meledandri. 

In June, actor Eddie Murphy revealed that he was in the process of recording for “Shrek 5” and would also lend his voice to the Donkey spin-off.

“We started working on Shrek 5 a few months ago. I’ve recorded the first scenes and will continue working on it this year. We’re doing Shrek and then Donkey,” Murphy shared. 

In the 10 years from 2001 to 2010, the “Shrek” series released 4 parts. This series helped DreamWorks Animation become a major film studio with a total global revenue for the first part of “Shrek” of 487 million USD. The film also surpassed many names in the animated film category and won its first Oscar. “Shrek 2” also achieved a huge revenue of 928 million USD. Both first parts of “Shrek” competed for the “Palme d’Or” award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Although the two sequels, “Shrek the Third” and “Shrek Forever After,” received less critical acclaim, they still grossed well, grossing $813 million and $752 million worldwide, respectively. The two spin-offs about Puss in Boots were also successful, grossing $555 million and $484 million.

The most recent “Shrek” spin-off, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” hit theaters in December 2022 and was a box office success, grossing $484 million worldwide. The film also received an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature.

The success of “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” has sparked the drive to make a fifth “Shrek” film. “If DreamWorks were to make a new Shrek movie, I would say yes in two seconds. I love Donkey. They did Puss in Boots. I think they should have made a Donkey movie. Donkey is funnier than that cat. I still love Puss in Boots, but he’s not as fun as Donkey,” Murphy, who voices Donkey, said in January 2023.

Chris Meledandri said he was delighted to read Murphy’s comments. He said he would love to see the film’s original voice cast, including Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Murphy, return for “Shrek 5.” “It’s a testament to Murphy’s enthusiasm for a role he has played so well,” Meledandri said.

Although no deal was done at the time, Mr Meledandri revealed that talks with the three actors were going well.