Can you believe it’s been a hop, skip, and a dragon’s flight away since we last embarked on an ogre-sized adventure with our favorite swamp-dwelling hero? Well, mark your calendars because our affection for Shrek, the wisecracking Donkey, and the fierce Princess Fiona is about to be rekindled with the much-anticipated Shrek 5 on the horizon!
With the original star-studded cast, including Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, set to reprise their iconic roles, the film promises to be a jubilant parade of emotions and laughter.
As the franchise approaches its twenty-third anniversary this year, theories about Myers’ appearance in this beloved universe have emerged, with fans speculating on a poignant narrative in which Shrek must navigate the waters of change and the bittersweet symphony of growing old.
Shrek 5 Prediction: A Reddit Theory Spills the Beans
Get ready to dust off your onion layers and put on your dancing shoes because DreamWorks Animation has officially announced that Shrek 5 is in the works, set to be released next year.
It’s been nearly a quarter of a century since we first met Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona, and the gang, and fans have been eagerly anticipating their return. The original stars, Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, are all set to reprise their iconic roles, bringing back the magic that made the franchise a worldwide phenomenon.
Directed by Walt Dohrn, who has been a key player in the Shrek universe since the second installment, and produced by franchise veterans Gina Shay and Chris Meledandri, Shrek 5 promises to be a fitting chapter in the beloved $4 billion franchise (The Numbers).
One Reddit theory suggests that the film will explore Shrek’s journey as he grapples with the inevitability of change and the passage of time. As his children grow up and start to forge their own paths, Shrek must learn to embrace the future while cherishing the love and connections that have sustained him throughout the years.
And the reason for this might be Puss in Boots, the main character of the spin-off film Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Having had his own near-death experience, Puss can help Shrek realize that even amid his growing sorrow, he still has time to cherish the love of those around him.
As the follow-up to Puss in Boots (2011) and the sixth movie in the Shrek film series, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish—helmed by Joel Crawford— was released in 2022.
Eddie Murphy’s Big Announcement: What to Expect in Shrek 5
During an interview with Collider regarding his latest flick, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, helmed by Mark Molloy, Eddie Murphy delighted fans with compelling news regarding the beloved Shrek franchise. To quote the actor:
We started doing Shrek 4 or [Shrek] 5 months ago. I did this, I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year, we’ll finish it up. Shrek is coming out, and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie. We’re gonna do Donkey as well. So we’re gonna do a Shrek, and we’re doing a Donkey [movie].
Since the release of the first Shrek movie in 2001, Murphy has been the charming and witty voice of Donkey; he spoke more about the plans for his character’s feature-length film:
I started recording Shrek, I think it’s coming out in 2025, and we’re doing a Donkey one next.
This revelation is sure to set fans’ hearts aflutter, as they eagerly await the return of their favorite animated characters and the promise of new, laugh-out-loud adventures.
With Murphy already in the recording and bringing Donkey back to life, fans can start counting down the days until we can once again join Shrek and his pals in their hilarious and heartwarming adventures. So mark your calendars for 2026, because the swamp is calling and Shrek is ready for another ride.
Shrek 5 is set to be released on July 1, 2026.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is streaming on Peacock.
