UNIVERSAL Pictures has moved the release date of DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek 5” to a later date, making viewers wait for another six months for their favorite ogre’s return to the big screen.
According to reports, “Shrek 5’s” release date has been moved from December 23, 2026 to June 30, 2027. No explanation was provided for the postponement.
It was supposed to debut following the theatrical release of Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Doomsday” and Disney’s “Ice Age 6” on December 18.
“Shrek 5” is the sequel to the animated comedy film “Shrek Forever After” in 2010, reuniting Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz as the voices of Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona, respectively.
The newest addition to the forthcoming animated film is American actress Zendaya, who will lend her voice to Felicia, the teenage daughter of Shrek and Fiona.
The 28-year-old star has been a “Shrek” fan. In 2017, Zendaya shared on X (formerly Twitter) how avid a viewer she is of the franchise.
“I watch Shrek too often in my adulthood,” she said.
In September 2023, a netizen gifted her a photo of a Shrek bouquet for her birthday. Zendaya replied, “You know me so well.”
The official Instagram account of “Shrek” revisited Zendaya’s 2017 post on February 28 and said, “This aged well.”
Cast announcement
It was also on February 28 when Universal Pictures revealed Zendaya’s participation in the film through a cast announcement video on YouTube.
The 27-second clip featured Donkey asking the Magic Mirror: “Who’s the ‘fairest’ of them all?”
The Magic Mirror, a reference to the magical object in the beloved fairytale “Snow White,” answered, “Why, Shrek! Of course,” and flashed different looks of Shrek, including a photo of him in a black fitted suit and another showcasing his sculpted abs.
These elicited mixed reactions from Felicia and Fiona, with the former saying, “Ew, dad!” Fiona, on the other hand, commented, “Woohoo, mommy likey!”
Shrek then questioned, “Who’s making this stuff?” before Pinocchio appeared and replied, “Not Me!” causing his nose to grow, a sign that he is lying.
About ‘Shrek’
The “Shrek” franchise is loosely based on the 1990 picture book “Shrek!” by William Steig.
The first “Shrek” film was released in 2001, which follows an embittered ogre named Shrek, whose peaceful swamp was invaded by fairytale creatures banished by a ruthless ruler named Lord Farquaad.
In exchange for regaining his control over his swamp, Shrek strikes a deal with Lord Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona from being imprisoned in a castle guarded by a dragon.
The second “Shrek” film debuted in 2004, followed by “Shrek the Third” in 2007, and “Shrek Forever After” in 2010.
The franchise has two spin-off films: “Puss in Boots” in 2011 and “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” in 2022.
While Filipino viewers await “Shrek 5,” they can revisit Shrek’s story through David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Shrek The Musical,” which will be staged at the Newport Performing Arts Theater from October to December 2025.
