Shrek 5 delayed to June 2027

Universal and DreamWorks postpone Shrek 5 to June 2027, signaling a cautious pacing for the franchise.

Shrek 5 Release Date Delayed to June 2027

Universal and DreamWorks Animation moved the release date of Shrek 5 from December 23, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The studio also shifted Illumination’s Untitled Event Film to April 16, 2027. The reason for the delay was not disclosed, and the film now faces a crowded summer slate that includes Sony’s Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.

Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz are returning as Shrek, Donkey and Fiona, with Zendaya joining the cast. The film is directed by franchise veterans Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn. The project marks a quarter century since the first Shrek film, which won the first Oscar for animated feature. The delay signals a careful approach after recent summer animation successes.

Delays in animation are common and often reflect scheduling realities. A June 2027 release places Shrek 5 in a crowded window with heavy family titles and Spider-Verse sequels. The move leans on nostalgia while hoping to attract a new generation, balancing legacy with fresh star power in Zendaya. The catch is timing: fans have waited years, and long gaps can erode momentum if not handled well.

Bringing back the core voice cast suggests a safe bet, while Zendaya's involvement hints at a shift in tone. The choice to keep veteran directors signals a desire for continuity even as the franchise tests new energy. The release plan will be watched as a proxy for how studios balance legacy franchises with changing audience habits and rising production costs.

Highlights

The swamp awaits, and timing may be as important as the jokes.