DreamWorks Animation has confirmed that “Shrek 5″ is in development, with a release date of July 1, 2026. Original stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz will reprise their roles.

Eddie Murphy revealed in June that he had begun voice recording for the film and will also work on a Donkey spinoff. Antonio Banderas’ return as Puss in Boots is not yet confirmed.

The film will be directed by Walt Dohrn and produced by Gina Shay and Illumination founder Chris Meledandri, with Brad Ableson as co-director.

Murphy stated, “We started doing [‘Shrek 5’] months ago. I recorded the first act, and we’ll finish it this year. ‘Shrek’ is coming out and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie.”

The “Shrek” franchise has released four feature films between 2001 and 2010, with the original turning DreamWorks Animation into a powerhouse studio. “Shrek 2” grossed $928 million, while “Shrek the Third” and “Shrek Forever After” earned $813 million and $752 million, respectively. The “Puss in Boots” spinoffs also performed well, grossing $555 million and $484 million.

In 2018, Universal Pictures tasked Meledandri with reviving the “Shrek” and “Puss in Boots” franchises, emphasizing the importance of the original vocal performances.

The latest “Puss in Boots” film, “The Last Wish,” opened in December 2022 and grossed $484 million worldwide, renewing interest in a fifth “Shrek” movie. Murphy expressed enthusiasm for a Donkey spinoff, saying in January 2023, “I love Donkey. They should have done a Donkey movie.”

Meledandri told Variety in April 2023 that he was excited about Murphy’s enthusiasm for the role and confirmed that negotiations with the original cast were going well, with the actors showing “tremendous enthusiasm” to return.