Get ready for more ogre antics as ‘Shrek 5’ officially enters development, set for a July 1, 2026 release with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz reprising their iconic roles.

DreamWorks Animation is diving back into the swamp, officially announcing 'Shrek 5' for July 2026. While Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz are confirmed to revisit their famous roles, fans are eagerly waiting for news about Antonio Banderas' return as Puss in Boots. Directed by Walt Dohrn and Brad Ableson, and produced by Gina Shay and Chris Meledandri, the new installment promises to be a wild ride. Cue the swamp karaoke: it's time to believe once more that 'ogres are like onions.'

The return of the titular ogre and his motley crew has sparked excitement and a hint of déjà vu among fans. It’s been a long time since we last saw Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona on the big screen, and people are curious to see how the beloved characters have fared over the years. The involvement of Myers, Murphy, and Diaz is already being celebrated as a major coup for the project. Murphy, the voice of the chatty and hilarious Donkey, revealed in June 2024 that he had started recording his voice for ‘Shrek 5’ months ago, hinting at a lot of surprises to come.

One lingering mystery involves Antonio Banderas, who breathed life into the swaggering Puss in Boots. While Puss's larger-than-life adventures have left a lasting impression through the years, there's no official word yet on Banderas' return. This absence has left a small yet pointed claw mark on fans' anticipation. What’s a ‘Shrek’ movie without the dashing feline’s swashbuckling exploits and sassy one-liners?

At the helm of this anticipated sequel are directors Walt Dohrn and Brad Ableson. Dohrn is no stranger to Shrek’s world, having co-directed ‘Shrek Forever After.’ Ableson, known for his work on 'The Simpsons’ and 'Minions: The Rise of Gru,' will bring fresh comedic energy to the franchise. With this dynamic duo steering the ship, the fifth installment is expected to mix the familiar charm of the series with a fresh twist.

Production duties fall to Gina Shay, who produced 'Shrek Forever After,' and Chris Meledandri, the founder of Illumination, known for megahits like 'Despicable Me' and 'Minions.' Their involvement suggests a harmonious blend of the old and the new, aimed at appealing to both loyal fans and a new generation of viewers. Under their watchful eyes, ‘Shrek 5’ is ticking all the boxes to ensure it swamps box offices worldwide.

The writing team for ‘Shrek 5’ includes Michael McCullers and Christopher Meledandri, whose combined skills are expected to instill the script with the wit and heart that's become synonymous with Shrek. McCullers’ previous credits include 'Austin Powers' and 'Boss Baby,' hinting at a script filled with plenty of laughs and irreverence.

While fans await Banderas' decision like a cat on a hot tin roof, Murphy dropped another bombshell: post-‘Shrek 5,’ Donkey is set to star in his very own spinoff movie. This has unleashed a tsunami of expectations as people speculate what kind of adventures and misadventures the spirited sidekick could embark on without his green-hued best buddy to rein him in.

As production kicks into high gear, the industry looks back at the sheer influence of the original ‘Shrek’ film, which turned DreamWorks Animation into a powerful force in Hollywood. Released in 2001, the movie grossed a staggering $487 million worldwide, winning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Its impact is evident in its enduring popularity, and the anticipation surrounding the new sequel is as thick as Shrek's Scottish accent.

With just under three years until the anticipated release, the return of Shrek and friends promises to be one of the most talked-about events in animation. The mix of existing and upcoming talent, peppered with a dash of nostalgia, is a potion set to thrill audiences. For now, we wait, refresh news feeds, and imagine the adventures once more in a land Far, Far Away.