Dreamworks announces ‘Shrek 5’

A new “Shrek” movie is coming to the big screen.

Dreamworks announced Tuesday on social media that “Shrek 5” will hit theaters on July 1, 2026, with original cast members Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz confirmed to star in the latest edition of the beloved animated franchise. 

Antonio Banderas’ return as Puss in Boots in the new film has not yet been confirmed, Variety reported. 

“Shrek 5” will be directed by Walt Dohrn, who was a writer and artist on “Shrek 2” and “Shrek the Third,” and as head of story on “Shrek Forever After.”

RELATED: Eddie Murphy shares update on ‘Shrek 5,’ reveals ‘Donkey’ spin-off film

Murphy confirmed in June that development on a fifth Shrek movie has started – and Donkey, who the actor-comedian voices in the Shrek films, is reportedly getting a spin-off.

Illumination CEO and founder Chris Meledandri discussed a “Shrek 5” film in April and confirmed it was in the works with the original cast in talks to return. 

In 2001, “Shrek,” which is slightly based on stories written by William Steig in 1990, debuted in theaters nationwide. The original movie follows a big green ogre voiced by Myers, who lives in a swamp and is forced on an adventure to save Princess Fiona (Diaz) from a dragon by the evil Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). 

After the success of the first “Shrek” film, three sequels were released– 2004’s “Shrek 2,” 2007’s “Shrek the Third” and 2010’s “Shrek Forever After.”

Separately, there were two spin-offs based on the character Puss in Boots, voiced by Banderas: 2011’s “Puss in Boots” and its sequel, 2022’s “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.”

This story was reported from Washington, D.C.