There’s no doubt that when you have something good, you want to do as much with it as possible. So, is it really that much of a surprise that Shrek 5 is happening?
While there had been plans from the release of Shrek 4 to do a fifth installment in the franchise, it seemed like it wasn’t going to happen. After all, it’s been 17 years since the release of Shrek Forever After. Then in February 2025, news dropped that Zendaya would be the voice of Shrek and Fiona’s daughter, and a release date was set.
Originally, the movie was going to arrive on July 1, 2026, and then it was pushed back to Dec. 23, 2026, much to the groans of people. Haven’t we waited long enough already? Well, it’s being pushed back again, but this is going to be a good thing for families everywhere.
Shrek 5 is going back to a summer release window
While we would love for the movie to be brought forward, that’s difficult with animation and schedules. Being pushed back is a good thing, especially with the move out of the Christmas window and back into the summer window.
The new planned release date is June 30, 2027, according to Deadline, so almost a year after the original date for the movie.
This is so much better for families. Are families with young children really planning a trip to movie theaters two days before Christmas? Probably not many, and that’s something Universal and DreamWorks had to reconsider. A summer release window is a better move, as parents look for things to do with their kids, are likely to have a little more disposable income compared to around Christmastime, and will have some time to actually sit in the theaters and enjoy the flick.
Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz are all returning to the franchise. There is little known what what’s to come, but it’s sure to follow Shrek and Fiona’s daughter on some sort of adventure, possibly being the one getting in trouble.
There is still a Universal movie is moving out of the summer
While Shrek is being pushed back, there is a Universal movie coming forward. So far, this is an Untitled Universal Event Film, and it originally had what is now the Shrek 5 release date. Instead, it will now release on April 16, 2027.
There is nothing announced for the Christmas date, and I don’t think Universal will want to put anything family-friendly there. It just doesn’t make sense when you consider how busy that time of year is.