Shrek 5 is now considered one of the most eagerly awaited new movies in cinematic history, with a legion of fans who have been waiting for 14 years since the franchise’s last outing.
However, it has now been confirmed that aficionados of the beloved green ogre will have to wait a bit longer; the initial release date set for July 1, 2026, has been postponed until December 23.
Despite making the animated continuation an ideal festive gift for families at Christmas, dedicated followers are less than pleased about the delay, especially after such an extensive break between films.
Franchise stars Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy are all set to return to their iconic roles as Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey, with additional casting and plot specifics yet to be disclosed.
Murphy has previously verified that recording has begun and has let slip that a solo film centred around his character Donkey is underway, reports the Mirror US.
“We started doing Shrek four or five months ago,” he divulged to Collider back in June last year.
“I recorded the first act, and we’ll be doing it this year. We’ll finish it up.”
The further postponement has caused distress among many admirers, but some maintain a hopeful outlook, suggesting the extended timeline could result in a more refined final product.
“Well, that’s not cool,” one disappointed user voiced, while another lamented: “WHYY @Shrek?!”
“I don’t want s**t to get delayed anymore,” exclaimed another user exasperatedly. Meanwhile, a forlorn supporter commented: “We are in a living hell.”
An optimistic fan suggested: “Look on the bright side, at least it will give the production team more time to work well and make the film perfect.”
On Reddit, cinema enthusiasts were speculating that the postponement might be a silver lining.
“This could bode better for Shrek,” one user speculated. “The one thing I kept mentioning was reception and it was in a crowded field for what people wanted it to make. This makes it better for both.”
Another voiced: “I can also understand if they want additional time to polish the film.”
“If they come up with a rock solid script and get great previews, they have a billion dollars guaranteed.”
However, some pointed out the fierce competition Shrek 5 would face in December 2026, including Jumanji 3, Ice Age 6 and possibly Dune: Messiah.
In a lighter vein, someone quipped: “I just fell to my knees at a Walmart.”
The big question remains: Will Shrek 5 justify its lengthy gestation period? The answer is still far, far away…
Shrek 5 will be released in cinemas December 23, 2026.