Shrek 5 delayed again! Set to release in summer 2027, check release date inside

A bit of disappointing news for all Shrek fans, the release of Shrek 5 has been delayed, and for quite some time. Universal and DreamWorks Animation have postponed the release of the fifth Shrek movie. For the unversed, this is the second time the film has been delayed. The release date for Shrek 5 has been moved from December 23, 2026, to June 30, 2027, as per Variety. The movie was originally set to release in July 2026. The makers have not provided any specific reason for the delay, but with this major change in the date, the film will now avoid a box office clash with Avengers: Doomsday, Dune: Part III, and Ice Age 6, all set to release in December 2026.

Universal has also shifted the premiere of Illumination's untitled event film. The movie's release date has been shifted two months earlier, from June 30, 2027, to April 16, 2027.

Summer has traditionally been the best time for animated movies, and this trend could be one of the reasons why the makers are once again shifting the release, considering the successful track record of Universal’s animated films, such as the Despicable Me franchise and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, among others. No specific explanation has been provided for this timing.

For the fifth instalment of Shrek, Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz are returning to voice the beloved characters of Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona in the fictional land of Far Far Away. Zendaya is a new addition to the cast, joining as Shrek’s daughter.

The upcoming movie will be directed by franchise veterans Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn.

Shrek 5 is the first new instalment in the much-loved franchise in over a decade, making it one of the most highly anticipated returns to the world of green ogres. The last main film, Shrek Forever After, was released in 2010. However, the characters have made appearances in the Puss in Boots spinoffs.