After years of anticipation, DreamWorks Animation has officially announced the release date for the highly-anticipated fifth installment of the Shrek franchise. ‘Shrek 5’ is set to hit theaters in July 2026, with the original cast returning to reprise their iconic roles.

The announcement was made on July 10 at the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas, where DreamWorks Animation also showcased a sneak peek of the upcoming film. While specific plot details remain under wraps, sources suggest that ‘Shrek 5’ will explore new territories, both literally and figuratively, for our favourite swamp-dwelling hero, PTI reported.

Chris Meledandri, CEO of Illumination Entertainment, expressed his excitement during the CinemaCon presentation: “We are thrilled to bring back the lovable, grumpy ogre and his misfit friends to the big screen. ‘Shrek 5‘ promises to be a wild ride, full of humor, heart, and plenty of surprises. We can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”

The original ‘Shrek’ film, released in 2001, revolutionized the animation industry and spawned a successful franchise with three sequels, various spin-offs, and extensive merchandise. The series has grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide and has become a cultural phenomenon.