Shrek 5 Release Delayed, Minions 3 Gets New Date

Universal Pictures shuffles its release schedule, pushing back Shrek 5 to December 23, 2026, while keeping Minions 3 in its original July 1, 2026 slot. This strategic move, as reported by Variety, aligns Minions 3 with the traditional Independence Day box office rush. 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, CEO of Illumination, confirmed its active development, along with hints of a potential Donkey spin-off.

Eddie Murphy, the voice of Donkey, further substantiated the film's progress in 2024, stating that recording for the first act was complete and that production would continue throughout the year. He also reiterated the possibility of a solo Donkey film.

The release of Shrek 5 will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the original Shrek film, which debuted in 2001. The franchise boasts a successful run, including Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010).

The popular Puss in Boots spin-off series also enjoys considerable success, with the first installment released in 2011 and the critically acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) receiving a 9/10 rating from IGN, praised for its stunning animation and mature storytelling. IGN described it as "the Shrek franchise's answer to Logan we didn't know we needed."