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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is there going to be a Shrek 6?
No – reporting indicates DreamWorks always planned Shrek as a five-movie arc from the start, meaning Shrek 5 is intended as the franchise’s final chapter rather than the start of a sixth film. DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg reportedly said each sequel was designed to answer lingering questions from the original 2001 film.
What is Shrek 5 expected to reveal about the character’s backstory?
According to Katzenberg’s earlier comments, the fifth film was conceived as a prequel-style story explaining Shrek’s mysterious past, including why he lives alone in the swamp and how he became the character introduced in the original Shrek. The plan was for the final chapter to tie back directly to unanswered questions from the first movie.
When is Shrek 5 actually coming out, and who’s returning?
Shrek 5 was originally dated for July 1, 2026, but the release has since been pushed back twice and is now scheduled for June 30, 2027. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz are set to reprise their roles as Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona, respectively.
