Shrek 5 Delay Pushes Theatrical Release Date to Summer 2027

Universal and DreamWorks Animation have announced a delay for Shrek

The companies announced the schedule shift today, confirming the long-awaited fantasy follow-up will finally step out of the swamp in about two more years (via Variety). It’s a six-month delay from the previously announced December 23, 2026, release date and about one year removed from the original July 1, 2026, premiere plan.

DreamWorks and Universal refrained from sharing the reason behind their decision to push Shrek 5 to its new June 2027 release date. The change also comes with a new date for an Untitled Illumination Event Film, which is moving up from Shrek 5’s late June spot to April 16, 2027.

Shrek 5 was formally announced with a summer 2026 release date last year. Its reveal promised the first mainline Shrek entry since 2010’s Shrek Forever After but kept story details under wraps as DreamWorks and Universal plotted how to bring Mike Myers’ iconic green ogre back to the big screen. Outside of the occasional Puss in Boots spinoff, it’s been 15 years since audiences last saw Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona in their own movie.

We’ve since learned a few details about how Shrek 5 will shake up the tongue-in-cheek fairy tale universe it originally introduced in 2001. Earlier this year, DreamWorks and Universal announced that Spider-Man and Dune veteran Zendaya had joined the film’s cast as Shrek and Fiona’s daughter, with Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz all back, too. A 30-second Shrek 5 trailer released in March revealed its fresh new art style, as well as a sneak peek at Zendaya’s character.

The long wait for Shrek 5 will continue for a few more years before it finally stomps its way into theaters June 30, 2027. While we wait, be sure to read up on how the internet – and Sonic the Hedgehog – reacted to Shrek’s updated animation style.

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).