“Before the first one was finished…”: Original Shrek Plans Reveal a Startling Truth about Mike Myers’ Shrek 6

Fans adore the Shrek movies for their mix of humor, heart, and clever jokes. Characters like Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, Puss in Boots, and Gingy are charming and easy to relate to. The movies are filled with funny pop culture references that everyone loves, no matter their age.

However, there is a surprise for fans. The truth, which has been known for years, is that there will be no Shrek 6. The original plan was always for a five-movie franchise, and Shrek 5 will be the final installment.

Jeffrey Katzenberg’s Five-Part Plan for Shrek Franchise

DreamWorks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg had big plans for Mike Myers‘ Shrek. Unlike many franchises that struggle for ideas after their first hit, Katzenberg reportedly planned a five-movie story arc from the very start.

SUGGESTED

Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz’s ‘Shrek 5’ Gets a Massive Release Update as ‘Inside Out 2’ and ‘Despicable Me 4’ Continue to Dominate Box Office

In 2016, the 73-year-old publicly explained that each film would answer lingering questions about the first movie and give deeper insight into the characters. He told IGN:

Before the first one was finished, we talked about what the whole story of Shrek is, and each of the chapters answers questions about the first movie and gives us insight… in the last chapter, we will understand how Shrek came to be in the swamp, when we meet him in the first movie.

The fifth and final movie was meant to be the highlight, serving as a prequel that revealed Shrek’s mysterious past. Imagine the possibilities! By the last movie, we’d finally understand everything about Shrek’s life before we first meet him in the swamp in the original movie. It would explain why he lives alone and how he became the way he is.

Shrek 5 Finally Set for Official Release Date

Shrek 5′s future is finally clear. Since its announcement in 2016, there have been many rumors and debates about the plot, release date, and studio. Reports of scrapped scripts and changing directors have left fans wondering if the movie will ever see the light of day. But now, its release date has finally been announced.

SUGGESTED

Shrek 2 Recreating a Sony Superhero Film’s Most Memorable Moment is Exactly Why its Still Legendary After 20 Years

The fifth Shrek fifth movie is set to hit theaters next summer. This release will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the original Shrek film. The studio shared the update on X. Check out the post below: 

Not too Far, Far Away… @Shrek 5 is coming to theaters on July 1, 2026 with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz. pic.twitter.com/3j6ctXpPGu

— DreamWorks Animation (@Dreamworks) July 9, 2024

This new Shrek movie will come out 16 years after the last one, which was released in 2010.