Shrek 5 Delayed as It Swaps Release Dates With Minions 3

Universal Pictures shuffles its release schedule, pushing back Shrek 5 to December 23, 2026, while keeping Minions 3, a Despicable Me spin-off, in its original July 1, 2026 slot. This strategic move positions Minions 3 for a traditional Independence Day box office run, as reported by Variety. Shrek 5, the highly anticipated sequel, will now aim for the lucrative holiday season, marking its return after a 16-year hiatus.

Initially announced in 2016, the project remained relatively quiet until 2023 when Chris Meledandri, Illumination CEO, confirmed its active development, along with hints of a potential Donkey spin-off. Eddie Murphy, the voice of Donkey, further solidified the film's progress in 2024, stating that recording for the first act was complete and that a Donkey solo film was also in the works.

Shrek 5's release will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the original Shrek film, which debuted in 2001. The franchise boasts a successful history, including sequels Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, and Shrek Forever After, released in 2004, 2007, and 2010, respectively.

The popular Puss in Boots character has also starred in two successful spin-offs, the first in 2011 and the critically acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in 2022. The latter received glowing reviews, including a 9/10 rating from IGN, which praised its stunning animation and mature storytelling, describing it as the franchise's unexpected equivalent of Logan.